During the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc shared a lighthearted moment that amused fans. At a fan meet event alongside Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, the two drivers engaged in a playful exchange about who would win a 100-meter race, adding humor to an otherwise intense competition atmosphere.
The discussion started when a presenter asked who would come out on top in a 100-meter dash between Hamilton and Leclerc. Both drivers confidently backed themselves, leading to a funny back-and-forth on stage. Hamilton jokingly referenced Leclerc’s recent experience chasing teammate Carlos Sainz on a bike during a prior event, lightening the mood between the two rivals.
“Hamilton: I don’t know? Leclerc: I’ll bet on me!! Hamilton: I’m gonna bet on me too, I’m gonna bet on me too!! Leclerc: Should we do it now? Hamilton: I saw him in the bike- last race he was chasing Carlos on a bike.”
– Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
This playful banter comes as the pair compete together for the first time as Ferrari teammates, following Hamilton’s move from Mercedes before the 2025 Formula 1 season began. While Leclerc has generally extracted strong performances from the Ferrari SF-25 so far this season, Hamilton has faced difficulties matching his teammate’s pace in the highly competitive championship.
After sixteen rounds, Leclerc sits fifth in the championship standings with 163 points and five podiums, whereas Hamilton trails closely behind in sixth place with 117 points. Their ongoing rivalry extends beyond the track, highlighting their contrasting fortunes during the year.
Why Charles Leclerc Excels in Baku’s Qualifying Sessions
Leclerc has demonstrated exceptional qualifying speed at the Baku City Street Circuit over recent years, securing pole position at the last four Azerbaijan Grands Prix. The 6.003-kilometer street circuit poses unique challenges for drivers, featuring a narrow castle section and a long final straight that tests top speed and precision.
In 2023, Leclerc earned pole with a lap time of 1:40.203, and in 2024, he repeated the feat with a qualifying time of 1:41.365. When asked about his success on this particular track, Leclerc explained his affinity for racing in street-circuit conditions and his consistent preparation approach ahead of each weekend.
“It comes naturally. I feel I am quite strong normally on city tracks and here, maybe there is something else as well that makes it particularly strong for me. It’s a good feeling to come back here. I know normally that I am strong here.”
– Charles Leclerc
“However, it doesn’t change my mindset coming into the weekend. It is always the same preparation and I try not to look too much at the past, but it is definitely a track that I enjoy driving.”
– Charles Leclerc
The qualifying session for the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is about to start at the Baku City Street Circuit, with many eyes on Leclerc’s attempt to maintain his dominant qualifying performance this year.
The Impact of the Hamilton-Leclerc Rivalry on Ferrari’s Season
The competitive dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc is crucial for Ferrari’s prospects in the 2025 championship. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari from Mercedes marked a significant shift for both the driver and the team, placing pressure on him to match his younger teammate’s results consistently. Despite his struggles so far, Hamilton’s experience and determination could prove vital in helping Ferrari challenge their rivals as the season progresses.
Leclerc’s strong points tally and qualifying form suggest he remains one of the most formidable competitors in the field, especially on demanding street circuits like Baku. For Hamilton, closing the gap will require adapting quickly to the SF-25 and finding speed on tracks where Leclerc already excels.
This ongoing duel not only entertains fans but also shapes Ferrari’s strategy for the coming races. As the title fight intensifies, the interactions and performances of these two drivers will be closely scrutinized by teams and supporters alike, setting the stage for a tense and thrilling remainder of the season.
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