Charles Leclerc Embraces the Shadow: Preparing for the 2025 Formula 1 Season
Charles Leclerc, the young Monaco-born racing sensation, has found himself in a unique position as he gears up for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Unlike his previous shift to Ferrari in 2019, where he was a relatively new face in the sport, this year the spotlight has been overwhelmingly focused on his new team-mate, Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc, now a seasoned veteran, sees this change in media attention as a boon rather than a burden. "Obviously, it’s very different, the situation that Lewis finds himself in joining the team," he reflects. "When I joined, I only had done one year in Formula 1, so it was still new to me. I had to learn how a team like Ferrari would work in Formula 1, even though I knew the factory and everything by being in the Ferrari Driver Academy before."
Hamilton’s Arrival: A Different Kind of Pressure
For Hamilton, a seven-time F1 world champion, joining Ferrari presents a new challenge. An Italian team is unfamiliar territory for the British driver, but his legendary status ensures that his every move is closely watched. Leclerc, ever the professional, finds this turn of events to be a positive one. "For Lewis, an Italian team is new to him, but he’s achieved so much and he arrives here, obviously, as a legend of the sport," he notes. "So it’s really cool to see what it was like for him to have so much success in other teams and the way they used to work. On that, we’ve learnt a lot." The young driver’s enthusiasm is palpable as he anticipates the insights and experiences Hamilton will bring to the table.
Leveraging the Off-Season
Leclerc’s off-season has been markedly different due to the media frenzy surrounding Hamilton. "For me, that meant that the off-season was a bit more in the shadow, but I enjoyed it," he admits. "I focused on myself. I’m pushing at the maximum to be ready for the first race. And I’m really looking forward to this year, hoping we’ll start the year on a more positive way compared to last year." This period of relative quiet has allowed Leclerc to concentrate on his own preparations, refining his skills and strategies without the added pressure of constant media scrutiny. He is determined to use this time effectively to ensure he is in top form when the season kicks off.
Surprising Similarities in Driving Styles
One of the most surprising aspects of Leclerc and Hamilton’s partnership is the similarity in their driving styles. "I was surprised – our driving style is very similar," Leclerc reveals. "We both like to push quite a lot, especially the entries to the corners, so that’s positive because it requires the same thing out of the car." This synergy is a significant advantage for Ferrari, as it means the team can develop the car to cater to both drivers’ preferences more effectively. "As a team, that is always a good thing because we’ll definitely push in the same direction because we need the same things, so we’re working super well together," adds Leclerc. The team’s ability to align the car’s characteristics with the drivers’ needs is crucial for maximizing performance.
Behind the Scenes: Building a Strong Partnership
While the initial weeks of the new season have been filled with marketing and publicity events, Leclerc and Hamilton have managed to spend quality time together. "We’ve spent quite a bit of time together since the beginning of the year. Less on track, more in the studio to do pictures, which is not the part we enjoy most, but it’s part of the job," Leclerc says. Despite the obligatory promotional activities, the duo is already forming a strong bond. Leclerc is eager to see their relationship develop on the track and believes that their collaboration can help Ferrari regain its top spot in the championship. "I’m looking forward to race with him and hopefully bring Ferrari back to the top," he confidently states.
Ferrari’s Determination: Staying Focused Amidst the Hype
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur is well aware of the immense interest surrounding Hamilton’s arrival. However, he is determined to ensure that the team remains focused on its goals. "I think everybody and every single team is excited at the beginning of the season – it’s the DNA of our sport," Vasseur comments. "We all have the feeling that we can be world champions at the beginning. And when you are speaking about the drivers or to the teams, we are all positive." Ferrari’s leadership has maintained a balanced approach, leveraging the marketing opportunities while keeping the team’s attention on the technical and strategic aspects of the season. "In our case, in our situation, it went very well this winter. For sure, we had a huge wave of marketing, but the team stayed focused all the winter," Vasseur reassures. This disciplined approach is essential for Ferrari to capitalize on the talents of both Leclerc and Hamilton and achieve its ambitious objectives for the 2025 season.
