Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc highlights 'very special' achievement tifosi cherished last year

01/05/2025 06:09 PM

Scuderia Ferrari has regained its position at the forefront of Formula 1 after a remarkable 2024 season, where they battled for the championship until the very last race—a feat they hadn't achieved in over a decade. While they ultimately fell short of securing the Constructors’ Championship, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz enjoyed multiple victories throughout the season, marking a major step forward for the Maranello team.

This marked the Italian side’s first such success since 2008, the last time they won a title, with Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa leading the charge. The resurgence of the Scuderia this year has been a significant milestone, signaling that they are once again competitive at the highest level.

Looking ahead to 2025, Charles Leclerc will face the challenge of partnering with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari from Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton's arrival could further boost Ferrari's performance as they look to close the gap to McLaren, who have been slightly faster this season. The upcoming winter break offers an opportunity for all teams to make key improvements, and Ferrari is expected to take risks with Hamilton's first car, aiming to secure their first championship in 17 years.

While the focus is firmly on the future, Ferrari achieved several standout moments in 2024 that will be cherished for years to come. One of the most notable was Carlos Sainz’s remarkable comeback after undergoing surgery for appendicitis, returning to claim victory just two weeks later in Melbourne. For Charles Leclerc, the season's most memorable victories came at the two races that Ferrari holds dearest—the Monaco Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit.

Reflecting on his Monza victory, the Monegasque driver described the celebrations with the passionate Tifosi as “crazy,” recalling the overwhelming emotions of celebrating in front of Ferrari's home crowd. The win was particularly special, not just for the Monegasque driver, but for the entire Scuderia, as it marked a key moment in their comeback season.

"Monza is always a very, very special week. Not only [the] grand prix but I think it's a whole week," – the Ferrari man pointed out – "From the Tuesday it starts in Milan with so much passion, and then as soon as you get to the track, you can understand how much it means for everybody within the team. The fact that we managed to do it this year was very, very special. And then of course the podium with the Tifosi, it's just crazy." – he added.

Will Ferrari Make Gains in 2025, or Will They Struggle with Lewis Hamilton?

The arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari presents Charles Leclerc with a remarkable opportunity to learn from one of the sport's greatest. This new partnership offers Leclerc a unique chance to refine his skills and approach to racing, as he will now be alongside a driver who has mastered the art of winning championships. Having long been regarded as a potential Formula 1 world champion, Leclerc may finally receive the guidance needed to turn his potential into reality under Hamilton's mentorship.

Hamilton's extensive experience, particularly in leading winning teams, will undoubtedly bring a wealth of knowledge and a mentality geared toward success. His approach to racing, combined with his proven track record, will serve as a model for how the entire Ferrari team should conduct themselves, both on and off the track. His presence is expected to elevate the team's performance, and with a car that has the potential to compete for victories, Ferrari seems to be well-positioned for success in 2025.

However, the real challenge for Ferrari lies in ensuring that they don't fall into the trap of repeating past mistakes. The team has a history of making missteps when it comes to car development, which has often hindered their championship aspirations. A prime example of this came earlier in 2024, when a significant upgrade introduced ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix arguably cost them valuable points and perhaps even the title. Such errors are costly in the hyper-competitive world of Formula 1, and Ferrari can ill afford to make the same mistake again.

As Lewis Hamilton joins the Maranello team, much will depend on how Ferrari navigates the crucial development decisions throughout the season. The pressure will be on them to maximize the potential of their car and to avoid missteps that could derail their chances. The team's future success hinges not only on the drivers but also on making the right strategic choices and ensuring that their technical development stays on the right track. With Lewis Hamilton’s leadership, Ferrari has a chance to get back to the top, but it will require careful, consistent effort from every part of the team.

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