Last Updated on March 14 2025, 7:09 am

Lewis Hamilton expresses admiration for Charles Leclerc as new chapter at Ferrari begins – At the age of 40, Lewis Hamilton has embarked on a bold new challenge in Formula One, leaving Mercedes after more than a decade to join Ferrari. The high-profile move, announced over a year ago, sent shockwaves through the motorsport world as few expected the seven-time world champion to change teams so late in his career.

Now, as the 2025 season approaches, Hamilton finds himself alongside Charles Leclerc at the Scuderia, forming one of the most anticipated driver pairings in recent memory.

As the pair prepare for their first race together, Hamilton has been quick to express his admiration for his new teammate, more or less declaring his love of the Ferrari veteran. From their first interactions, the chemistry between the two appears to be strong, with both drivers speaking highly of each other. Hamilton, in particular, has openly praised Leclerc’s personality, work ethic and even his looks, setting the tone for what could be a harmonious partnership at Ferrari.

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Hamilton and Leclerc: A partnership based on mutual respect

With the season-opening race in Australia just days away, Hamilton has reflected on his new environment at Ferrari and his growing bond with Leclerc. In an interview with Le Parisien, the Briton shared his impressions of his team-mate, highlighting the qualities that have impressed him most.

“What surprises me most about Leclerc?” Hamilton mused. “Aside from his magnificent hair? His eyes! He’s a good-looking guy, you know. But seriously, I would say his work ethic. You never really know what happens behind the scenes, but every driver has their own way of being as efficient as possible. It’s very cool to work with him.

Such light-hearted yet sincere praise suggests that Hamilton has already developed a strong sense of camaraderie with Leclerc. While their competitive nature will undoubtedly drive them to seek dominance within the team, their early interactions suggest a healthy working relationship.

This dynamic could be crucial for Ferrari. The Scuderia has not won a championship since 2008, and the arrival of a driver of Hamilton’s calibre signals a renewed push for glory. However, internal harmony will be key, as tensions between teammates have sometimes hampered Ferrari’s title ambitions in the past.

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Shared interests strengthen their bond

Leclerc has also spoken warmly of his relationship with Hamilton, revealing that they have more in common than just a passion for racing. In a conversation with Eurosport, the Monegasque driver explained how their friendship has evolved beyond the racetrack.

“We really share a lot of passions, especially music,” said Leclerc. “But we never talked about it before because we only saw each other at the races and that was all we talked about. We’ve been doing a lot of things together lately and it’s allowed us to get to know each other better. He’s a very nice person and we get on very well, which is great for the team.

That mutual appreciation could prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of Ferrari. Formula One teammates are often each other’s fiercest rivals, but a strong personal bond can help to defuse conflict and foster cooperation. Given Ferrari’s history of internal strife – most recently between Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr – a partnership built on trust and understanding could be a game changer.

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New start for Hamilton at Ferrari

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents more than just a new challenge; it is also a chance to cement his legacy in a different environment. Having spent his entire F1 career in Mercedes-powered cars – first at McLaren and then at Mercedes – he is now entering a completely new environment. While some have questioned whether he can replicate his past successes with Ferrari, Hamilton seems energised by the opportunity.

Beyond the on-track adjustments, another challenge will be integrating into Ferrari’s unique culture. The Scuderia operates with a distinct Italian identity, steeped in tradition and passionate fan support. Hamilton, however, has already embraced the change and embraced the team’s history and philosophy. His relationship with Leclerc could play a key role in how smoothly he adapts to his new surroundings.

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The road ahead for Ferrari’s new star duo

As the Formula 1 season prepares to kick off, all eyes will be on Ferrari’s new driver line-up. Hamilton brings an unrivalled level of experience and success, while Leclerc represents the long-term future of the team. Their combination of talent, competitiveness and mutual respect could make Ferrari a serious title contender once again.

Of course, the real test will come on the track. Can Ferrari provide a car capable of challenging the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes? Will the harmony between Hamilton and Leclerc withstand the pressure of competition? These questions will be answered in the coming months, but for now it is clear that Hamilton has embraced his new team and his new teammate with open arms.

For Ferrari fans, this partnership offers hope that the Scuderia can return to the top of F1. If Hamilton and Leclerc continue to build on their positive relationship, Ferrari may finally have the ingredients to end their long championship drought.

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MORE F1 NEWS – FIA last minute regulation U-Turn for the Australian GP

The 2025 Formula One season will burst into life in less than two days and already there are accusations being made that certain teams are cheating with their car designs. Flexing bodywork has been banned in Formula One for as long as anyone can remember, yet teams find ways to defeat the FIA tests designed to prove this is occurring.

Last year McLaren were accused of using flexi-wings following their first big upgrade of the year which came in Miami. The wings passed the FIA static deflection tests but it was obvious from TV footage that under the extreme loads at high speed, the wings were in fact operating like a mini-DRS.

The FIA fumbled around like blind men in the dark over the matter, something Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was particularly unhappy about. As the summer break approached McLaren and Mercedes  appeared to be using excessive aero elasticity on their front wings too….. READ MORE ON THIS STORY