Leclerc will embrace Hamilton challenge, but also chance to learn

Charles Leclerc believes his future collaboration with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari will present a unique opportunity, not just to glean knowledge from a master, but also to show “what I’m able to do”.

The monumental shift at the Scuderia was announced early last month following Hamilton’s decision to part ways with Mercedes after eleven seasons.

The seven-time world champion will pass through the golden gates at Maranello in 2025 with an unmatched win record – 103 race wins – and a wealth of experience to share with the Italian outfit.

But as a proven talent in F1 with several race wins under his belt, Leclerc isn’t daunted by the prospect.

On the contrary, the Monegasque is buoyed by the “exciting challenge” and sees only the benefits of sharing the iconic red garage with Hamilton from next season.

“Of course, I will learn from Lewis,” Leclerc told Fox Sports Australia last weekend in Melbourne.

“It's also an opportunity for me to show what I'm able to do, which I take as an exciting challenge. I think it's going to be great.”

• Read also: Ferrari did 'exactly what we needed to as a team' - Leclerc

The news of a potential partnership with Hamilton wasn't entirely unexpected for Leclerc.

“I knew [for] quite a few months that it was a possibility, that it was on the table,” he said. “It was still a surprise to learn that there was [an] opportunity of this happening.”

While Ferrari will welcome a legend within its ranks next year, Leclerc will bid farewell to his current teammate Carlos Sainz after four seasons together.

Following the Spaniard’s remarkable victory last weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, Leclerc expressed his support for Sainz as he seeks a new team.

He also reflected on their time together at the Scuderia, a period that has seen its share of triumphs and challenges.

“I’ve had a really amazing relationship with Carlos,” insisted Leclerc.

“We have had amazing years together, more difficult years also together as a team, because the performance was not exactly where we wanted.

“But we have been working extremely well together and we are looking forward to this last year together in order to end that in the best way possible.”

Fresh off his Melbourne triumph, Sainz noted Ferrari’s progress of late and hopes his final season in red will deliver as much success as possible before he moves on.

“It is a more structured team,” the three-time race winner said, commenting on Ferrari’s progress since last season.

“We’ve done so much progress with the performance of the car, but also with race execution, weekend execution – it’s a much more solid team than where we were one, two years ago, so I’m proud of that progress.

“I’m going to maximise this more solid team that we’ve created together during this year to try to put together some more podiums and wins, and see where I’m going next.”

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