Ferrari team principal explains why Lewis Hamilton is the perfect teammate for Charles Leclerc
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Charles Leclerc has long been a key figure at Ferrari, but with Lewis Hamilton now joining the team, Fred Vasseur believes the seven-time champion is exactly the teammate the Monegasque needed.
Ferrari sent shockwaves through the F1 world when they announced Hamilton's blockbuster move from Mercedes for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign. His switch marks the end of a dominant 12-year stint with the Silver Arrows, where he claimed six of his seven world titles. Now, with an initial two-year deal and an option for 2027, Hamilton is setting his sights on an eighth championship—while also reshaping Ferrari's dynamic, potentially shifting the focus away from Leclerc, who has led the team since 2019.
Fred Vasseur explains why Lewis Hamilton is the ideal partner for Charles Leclerc
While Red Bull boss Christian Horner insists that Lewis Hamilton must mold Ferrari around himself to mount a title challenge, Fred Vasseur has a different perspective. The Ferrari team principal is convinced that Hamilton is the perfect addition alongside Charles Leclerc, bringing experience and leadership that will elevate the entire team.
Since arriving at Maranello, the Monegasque has gone head-to-head with two formidable teammates—first four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, and then Carlos Sainz. Now, he faces a new challenge in Hamilton, a driver with 105 Grand Prix victories to his name.
Ferrari's decision to bring in Hamilton meant walking away from contract negotiations with Carlos Sainz, signaling a clear shift in their ambitions. However, for Fred Vasseur, the signing is about more than just performance. Having worked with Hamilton during his title-winning GP2 season in 2006, the Frenchman believes the Brit's experience, maturity, and hunger for success make him exactly the right partner to push Leclerc and Ferrari forward.
The French manager told Sky Sports that Hamilton has changed significantly over the years, noting that he is now two decades older than when they first worked together. He emphasized that everyone evolves over time, gaining experience and developing their skills.
According to Fred Vasseur, Hamilton has become far more mature and knowledgeable, making him an ideal addition to the team. He stated that this was precisely what he had been looking for—not only for Ferrari as a whole but also for himself and Charles Leclerc—believing that their partnership forms the perfect combination.
Charles Leclerc Must Hold His Ground as Lewis Hamilton Aims to Shape Ferrari in His Image
Leclerc will undoubtedly look to absorb as much knowledge as possible from Hamilton, whose record-breaking career includes 105 Grand Prix wins, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes. However, the 27-year-old must ensure that he does not allow the seven-time champion to assert full dominance within the team.
While Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur envisions them as an ideal pairing, their ambitions inevitably clash—both drivers have their sights set on securing the title. Charles Leclerc has played a crucial role in Ferrari's resurgence, helping the team edge closer to the front of the grid and finishing just 14 points behind McLaren in last year's constructors' standings.
Despite his contributions, the Monegasque’s personal tally of eight race victories, 43 podiums, and 26 pole positions falls short of Hamilton's achievements. With Ferrari's continued development—most notably their shift to a pull-rod suspension on the SF-25—Leclerc must seize the momentum and establish himself as the team’s leading force rather than allowing Hamilton to dictate Ferrari's direction.
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