For Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc, the highly publicized arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari has changed the game. This could also change the course of the year as the F1 season kicks off in Melbourne this weekend.
Last year, when Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc were making videos for social networks, it didn’t particularly excite the crowds. On Thursday morning, when Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc faced off in a chess match, the Ferrari terrace filled up with people trying to catch a glimpse, through the hospitality suite windows, of what was happening.
This is now the reality: Hamilton is at the heart of Scuderia. And the homegrown driver, the one who grew up in Maranello, has fully grasped this new reality. The one where he has, for now, lost the upper hand. “I spent the winter in the shadows,” he confirmed without bitterness about ten days ago during the Bahrain tests. “But I must admit that I enjoyed it.”
The first day of the British driver’s run at Fiorano at the end of January had paralyzed the streets of Enzo’s city. But the approximately 7,000 tifosi, who had turned out to catch a glimpse of the champion, had hardly disturbed his Monegasque teammate, who was deprived by the rain of a few laps in the afternoon. “I’m used to these sessions,” he slipped in, as if to downplay the wild enthusiasm for the newcomer, but above all to remind people of where he comes from.
Because Leclerc, 27 years old, is a child of Scuderia. It was Jules Bianchi (who died following his accident at Suzuka in 2014), the first member of the Ferrari Academy and the Monegasque’s sporting godfather, who had introduced his godson to Nicolas Todt, his manager at the time. Shortly after, Leclerc had joined the Scuderia’s young driver structure and started in F1 at Sauber (2018) before joining, the following year, his dream team, the one he had dreamed of as a child.
Carlos Sainz Jr, former teammate of Charles Leclerc
“Charles has always been the perfect example of what a Ferrari driver should be.”
“Charles has always been the perfect example of what a Ferrari driver should be,” Carlos Sainz Jr emphasized, speaking about his teammate of four years. “His talent, of course, but also the way he conducts himself contributes to the success of the Scuderia.” When the same topic was brought up with the British driver, who was also present at the press conference, he initially pretended not to understand the question, as if he was reluctant to praise Leclerc’s qualities.
A few hours earlier, the 40-year-old Briton had posted a remake of a scene from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’, a 1980s film where the driver takes the place of a valet having fun driving a legendary Ferrari 250 GT with Edward Norton. A move to further establish his place in the team.
However, Hamilton eventually responded, aware that he should not – for now – touch the icon. So, after joking about his “beautiful hair or his beautiful eyes”, he admitted that Leclerc was indeed “Mr. Ferrari”.
F1 – Ferrari: Hamilton and Leclerc Eager to Bring Scuderia Back to the Top
A lovely tribute that proves that the Monegasque, even overshadowed by the seven-time world champion, should not be written off yet. Especially not at Ferrari, where Leclerc has made his nest. His status within the team is clearly not threatened in the short term. “I believe that Charles was not disturbed by all the fuss around Lewis,” analyzed Frédéric Vasseur. “It allowed him not to have to answer too many questions from journalists. It gave him some peace.” And motivation. “Lewis arrived with a clear desire to acclimate quickly,” added the French boss. “And he got to work.” The Scuderia driver, who is not naturally lazy, therefore doubled his efforts, taking the lead from his elder.
The Rosberg Theorem
“Last year, when the arrival of the champion and the risks it entailed were discussed, Charles Leclerc did not flinch. “One could not dream better,” he affirmed at the time. “It’s the best way to gauge oneself by measuring up to the best.” An analysis almost identical to that made by Nico Rosberg in 2009, delighted to see a certain Michael Schumacher arrive at Mercedes, whom he had beaten for three consecutive seasons. The German later managed to beat – once, in 2016 – his majesty Lewis Hamilton, his teammate, after three years of fierce internal combat, still at Mercedes.
So, in front of all the circus that arrives in the wake of the Briton, the Monegasque does not panic any more than Rosberg did. On the contrary. He first put the church – the one that rings with each Ferrari victory in Maranello – back in the middle of his village, that of the Scuderia which he knows like the back of his hand. First celebrate the brand then humbly step back. “There is no room for a driver at the Scuderia,” he replied when he was told that Hamilton had nicknamed him ‘Mister Ferrari’. “Because the brand is bigger than all the drivers.”
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari driver
“The most important thing is to be world champion. And to be it with Ferrari”
Having set the tone, he continued as when he starts in qualifying. Speaking of his passion, first: “You know, because I’ve always told you, that I first wanted to win Monza and Monaco. It’s done. But the most important thing is to be world champion. And to be it with Ferrari.” Before concluding on this team that he adores and who adores him, this kid, this “Carletto” who they saw grow up and who the whole country now calls Il Predestinato (the predestined one).
There’s no question of speaking ill of the circus that the arrival of his champion teammate generates. However, he wants to do everything to protect his own. “The goal is for us to be champions,” he concluded with a mischievous smile. “To get there, you have to build a good car and for it to work, everyone has to work together and no one should be disturbed by this extra attention.”
Even on Thursday, the cohabitation was cordial, even friendly. The two teammates left Albert Park together, accompanied by Vasseur, to attend a party. Leclerc sat in the back of the car that was driving them, next to the boss. Hamilton, on the other hand, was in front.”
