Charles Leclerc has revealed that he was aware of Ferrari’s negotiations with Lewis Hamilton for a 2025 Formula 1 contract before he committed to his extended tenure with the team.
Just a week before the unexpected announcement that Hamilton would be his teammate next year, Leclerc confirmed his continued allegiance to Ferrari with a new contract. This sequence of events led some to speculate whether Leclerc was taken aback by the prospect of competing alongside the seven-time world champion.
However, Leclerc clarified in his first comments that Ferrari had kept him informed about their discussions with Hamilton, dismissing any notion of surprise on his part.
“Obviously these kind of deals are not finalised overnight.
“So, it takes time, of course. And I was aware of those discussions before signing my deal. So, it didn’t come out as a surprise after signing.
“Lewis is an incredible driver, the most successful in history and with lots of experience as well, which he will bring to the team and obviously myself, which is a good thing.
“But, with Carlos [Sainz], it has been great and we’ve got one more year together to try and do the best job possible.”
Leclerc praised Hamilton, acknowledging the immense success and experience he brings to the team.
“Lewis is a phenomenal driver, the most successful to date, and his experience will be invaluable to both the team and me, which is fantastic.”
Despite Hamilton’s impending arrival, Leclerc stressed that it had no bearing on his contract negotiations. For the second time in his career, he’ll go up against a multi-time World Champion in a Ferrari.
“No, it hasn’t changed anything in my discussions because, again, I focus on myself and what’s good for me.
“There was no change of any requirements or whatsoever for me. That wasn’t part of my discussions.
“I think it was good that the team was transparent anyway just for me to not learn it after that. But it didn’t change anything for me.”
Leclerc also mentioned that he and Hamilton had been in contact following the official announcement of Hamilton’s move.
“Yes, we’ve had discussions with Lewis, especially when everything was announced and official. We texted each other, of course.
“Lewis is a great champion with a lot of experience and so much success. So, it is always interesting to have a new team-mate as you learn different ways of working, of driving, and even more so when my new team-mate is a seven-time world champion.”
With Hamilton’s move confirmed, Leclerc looks forward to the unique opportunity of teaming up with one of F1’s most decorated champions, seeing it as a chance for mutual growth and learning within Ferrari.
