Charles Leclerc revealed that he has been closely studying Lewis Hamilton since the Briton’s arrival at Ferrari last year. The Monegasque believes he has identified the main factor behind his teammate’s historic success, especially highlighting how Hamilton prepares before getting into the car.
Hamilton began his second season at Ferrari after leaving Mercedes in one of the most impactful transfers in Formula 1 in recent years. For Leclerc, sharing the garage with the seven-time Formula 1 champion has become a unique learning opportunity within the Italian team.
The Monegasque driver stated that he started to closely observe everything Hamilton does behind the scenes. According to Leclerc, the Briton’s difference is not only in driving but mainly in the mentality and approach adopted throughout a race weekend: “From the day Lewis joined the team, for me it was a great opportunity to learn from him. I analyzed everything he does as preparation, up to the moment he gets into the car,” Leclerc told Sky F1.
The Monegasque explained that he also observes specific data from his teammate in certain parts of the circuit, although he considers this more situational: “In driving, it depends a lot on the track. We have our own strengths and sometimes I look at him in a specific corner and analyze that, but it varies from track to track,” he said.
Even so, Leclerc believes that Hamilton’s biggest difference lies outside of the fast laps: “I think his approach is what made him have all the success he achieved in the past,” said the Ferrari driver.
Recent numbers show balance between the two teammates. In 2025, Leclerc finished ahead of the Briton by 242 points to 156. In the current Formula 1 season, the Monegasque has two podiums, while Hamilton has secured one so far.
Hamilton continues to pursue the eighth title in his career, something unprecedented in the history of the category. Leclerc, meanwhile, keeps alive the dream of winning a championship for Ferrari, a team that has not won the Constructors’ World Championship since 2008 and has not had a champion among drivers since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.
The Monegasque made it clear that his connection with Ferrari remains as strong as at the beginning of his journey with the team: “Ferrari is very special to me and has always been so throughout my life. I remain as excited and grateful as on the first day I was announced as a Ferrari driver,” he added.
Finally, Leclerc emphasized that his main goal remains unchanged: “Driving for Ferrari is very special, but I would love to win a title with Ferrari. That is what I have been working on since the first day I arrived here, and I really hope that happens one day,” he concluded.
