'Creative' Leclerc inspired by Hamilton's fashion passions

Charles Leclerc could soon take a leaf out of Lewis Hamilton's book of fashion, the Ferrari driver admitting to having a passion for clothes and design.

Leclerc's success with the Scuderia last year in Formula 1 - validated by the Monegasque's first two wins in the sport - coupled with his trending popularity incited fashion powerhouse Giogio Armani to sign up the 22-year-old as one of its leading brand ambassadors.

Leclerc admits that clothes and design aren't too far behind F1 when it comes to his devoted passions.

"I really like clothes design. It’s definitely the creative element that inspires me," he told Formula1.com.

"I can draw but whether I would sketch my own collection, I don’t think I have that level. I have got very clear ideas of what I like but not at the point I can design my own."

Lewis Hamilton has slowly but surely followed up on his F1 success by becoming a full-fledged style icon off the track, thanks in part to his partnership with Tommy Hilfiger.

And Leclerc is impressed by his rival's endeavor into the world of fashion.

"I have spoken to Lewis very briefly [about fashion], congratulated him for his new collection," he said.

"He’s doing a great job with the brand, and I quite like what he’s doing. It’s definitely something I’d like to do further down the road."

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The Ferrari charger says he often uses his spare time on long flights to draft a few design ideas of his iPad.

"It frees my mind," he said. "At least I think of something else than only racing, which I think is very good.

"This was also my problem in the past, not being able to disconnect from racing. Fashion and music helps. I’m very creative, all of these things help me think of something else."

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