Charles Leclerc has admitted he can’t see weaknesses in Lewis Hamilton‘s capabilities at the wheel as they prepare to become Ferrari team-mates.
The Monagasque, who will be joined by the seven-time world champion in what could well be one of the most formidable F1 pairings ever next season, has been Ferrari’s leading driver while partnering Carlos Sainz. However, it remains uncertain how Hamilton’s arrival will shake up the hierarchy and whether he’ll be able to adjust to a new car quickly enough to compete.
For now, Leclerc believes he’ll have his work cut out for him in their head-to-head clash – because he can’t identify any weaknesses in Hamilton’s skills, reports the Express. When questioned by the BBC on whether he can beat Hamilton, he responded: “Well… I need to be convinced that I am the fastest driver when I put the helmet on.
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“But I am really looking forward to it, and it will be super-interesting for me. I have always said you learn from every single team-mate you have over your career.
“When I look at the way he drives – because we always look at each other and data – you don’t really see any weaknesses. And that’s where Lewis is incredible. He’s only got strengths.
“So I’m really looking forward to seeing how he works with his engineers, the feedback, and all of these kinds of things, to learn and become better.”
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(Image: Getty Images)
Leclerc is relishing the opportunity to take knowledge from the most successful driver in history. He batted away claims that Hamilton being signed means Ferrari have lost faith in him to end what is likely to extend to a 17-year championship drought.
“Ferrari is Ferrari. And they need the best drivers in their cars. So, for the benefit of Ferrari, it is completely understandable,” he said. The Prancing Horse’s shot at glory next season hinges on whether they can kit out Leclerc and Hamilton with a car capable of challenging for the title.
The former explained they’re currently tweaking the balance between their qualifying and race speed to improve upon their Sunday showings, which have been lacking recently. They’re clinging onto second in the constructors’ standings, just seven points clear of McLaren and 81 ahead of a Mercedes team that’s got its mojo back after Hamilton’s victory at the British Grand Prix.