Teenage Charles Leclerc once told Sky Italy commentator what would never be possible amid teammate battle
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Charles Leclerc might be on the brink of his best opportunity yet to claim the Formula 1 world championship in 2025. However, to seize the crown, he knows he'll need to overcome the sport's most successful driver to date.
Since joining Ferrari back in 2019, Charles Leclerc has endured years of rebuilding with the Scuderia. It wasn't until 2024 that Ferrari delivered a consistent challenge in the constructors' championship, finishing a mere 14 points behind McLaren. Impressively, they outscored every other team during the final two triple-headers of the season. With minimal regulatory changes for 2025, Ferrari could very well start the Australian Grand Prix as the team to beat.
Leclerc enjoyed his most successful season yet in 2024, securing a career-high 13 podiums and equaling his best season win tally of three. He also closed the gap to Max Verstappen more significantly than he did in 2022, reducing the points deficit to 81 compared to 146, despite slipping one position in the standings (from second to third).
Karun Chandhok has hailed Leclerc as the second-best driver of 2024, ranking him just behind the world champion. This assessment reflects what many believe is the Monegasque driver’s most polished and complete form as a driver.
Martin Brundle has gone a step further, suggesting that Charles Leclerc might be faster than Max Verstappen in terms of qualifying pace. This could spell trouble for Lewis Hamilton, who endured his poorest-ever qualifying season in 2024.
Charles Leclerc's resolve: A teammate's title is not his concern
Well-known Sky Italy commentator Carlo Vanzini famously dubbed the Monegasque driver "Il Predestinato" (The Predestined One), a nickname that gained prominence in 2019 when Charles Leclerc clinched his first Grand Prix victories at Spa and Monza, Ferrari's home circuit.
During an episode of the *Lo Stagista Podcast* in 2022, Carlo Vanzini revealed the origins of the moniker. When Leclerc was just 15, he attended Sky for media training, where Carlo Vanzini staged a mock press conference. Asked how he would react if he were on pole while his teammate fought for the championship, the Monegasque firmly stated that he would prioritize his own race over aiding the sister car.
Later, Charles Leclerc approached the Sky Italy commentator to emphasize that he would never allow himself to be in such a position. Even before his Formula 1 career began, Charles Leclerc was resolute: no teammate's ambitions would take precedence over his own pursuit of glory. Carlo Vanzini recalled that after the mock press conference, the Monegasque followed him outside and explained that the question had been flawed. Leclerc told him it would never be possible for him to be in a situation where he was fighting for the title and his teammate was the one contesting it instead.
Charles Leclerc appears ready to adopt a strategy similar to Max Verstappen's as the looming battle with Lewis Hamilton draws nearer. His remarks serve as a clear, symbolic warning to Hamilton ahead of his much-anticipated debut with Ferrari. Although Leclerc is not typically known for being an overtly aggressive driver, that could very well change if the Formula 1 drivers' championship is at stake.
At 27 years old, Leclerc seems to be approaching his prime. In stark contrast, Hamilton is nearing 40, with some murmurs beginning to circulate regarding a potential decline in his performance.
Leclerc acknowledges that the initial months of their partnership may be difficult, particularly in terms of managing Hamilton's immense fame. While the Monegasque driver has been the focal point at the Maranello team in the last few years, he recognizes that Lewis Hamilton, as one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, could easily overshadow him.
Nonetheless, Charles Leclerc has made it clear that he is prepared to channel his inner Max Verstappen when required. Should he find himself in a position to defend a championship lead late in the season, he is fully prepared to “play with the rules” in order to secure victory.
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