Charles Leclerc has observed a notable shift within Ferrari since the superstar signing of Lewis Hamilton. Although the results have not yet met expectations, with Ferrari’s SF-25 struggling against the competition including McLarens, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and Mercedes’ George Russell, the internal dynamics have begun to evolve.
“That’s why it’s so interesting having Lewis join the team, coming from Mercedes,” Leclerc shared with Sky Sports. He noted that the approach to teamwork varies significantly compared to Ferrari’s traditional methods. “It doesn’t mean we will necessarily take everything out of it, but there are things that open our minds, in the way we were,” he explained, highlighting Hamilton’s insights and suggestions during specific situations on the track.
The standout moment for Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season so far has been Hamilton’s sprint race victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, which provided a glimmer of success amidst a challenging start to the season. Leclerc admitted to feeling mixed emotions watching his high-profile teammate take the first meaningful victory. “Mixed emotions yes of course,” he said regarding Hamilton’s win. “You are happy because you see the potential. The other part of you is not happy because you wish you did a better job to achieve the win. It’s part of racing. It motivated me to come back later in qualifying and find something in the car, to turn the situation around.”
Indeed, Leclerc did manage to claim a spot on the podium at the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement for Ferrari amid a series of challenging outings. Hamilton, similarly, has been focused on his adaptation to the team and has expressed a willingness to critique his own performance rather than focusing solely on the car’s shortcomings.
Leclerc elaborated on the specific challenges faced early in the season, acknowledging that they did not kick off as strongly as hoped. “We didn’t have the start of the season that we dreamt of, but we are slowly getting back to it,” he stated. He described the car’s performance issues, stating, “At the beginning of the year, it was a very open balance. Very tricky on corner entry, quite a mid of mid-corner understeer.” Fortunately, Leclerc reported signs of improvement, emphasizing that while driving the SF-25 has been tricky, they are gradually making strides.
The team has introduced a series of updates, beginning with floor modifications in Bahrain and continuing with rear wing enhancements at the recent race in Saudi Arabia. While these upgrades have yielded some positive results, Ferrari is still navigating the gap between performance and their high expectations. Ultimately, with Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari is laying the groundwork for a transformative season, and fans keenly await how this new dynamic will materialize on the racetrack.
As the season progresses, the insights and experiences shared between Leclerc and Hamilton may be crucial in shaping Ferrari’s strategy moving forward. The potential for success is palpable, and both drivers are determined to turn challenges into victories, driving Ferrari back to the forefront of Formula 1.
