Charles Leclerc believes he will form a close relationship with “greatest ever” Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton when he joins Ferrari.
Leclerc couldn't hide his admiration for the seven-time world champion when speaking ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. The 26-year-old heaped praise on his future team-mate and shed light on some of their shared interests away from the track.
Hamilton in February announced his shock decision to leave Mercedes in favour of their Italian rivals for the 2025 season. It marks the end of an incredibly successful 12-year stint with the Brackley-based team, where he clinched six of his world titles.
The Brit will pair up with Ferrari's lead driver Leclerc, who himself is committed to the Prancing Horse until 2029. The speedy duo have already been spotted in conversation around the track this season, despite Hamilton racing for Mercedes until the end of the year.
Talking to Italian outlet La Stampa, Leclerc said: "There is a great deal of respect, as well as a very good relationship, but maybe we don't see each other so much that we are friends. I am convinced that our relationship will become closer when it arrives at Ferrari, many worlds unite us, music too.
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"I see it as a super opportunity, for me and the team, but also for our sport. Having a seven-time world champion on a team is a huge signal that we send out. It motivates me a lot to show what I am capable of and I will be able to learn from one of the best pilots ever."
Hamilton will displace Carlos Sainz Jr, who is yet to secure a seat for the upcoming season. The Spaniard has, however, reportedly attracted interest from teams Williams and Sauber.
Leclerc has been seen getting pally with Hamilton already ((Image: Getty))For Ferrari, Hamilton joining the ranks is seen as a major boost. That’s despite him currently being in eighth place in the drivers’ standing, while Sainz is in fourth thanks to his more competitive car.
With six F1 victories to his name, including a triumphant home race at the Monaco Grand Prix last month, Leclerc's partnership with Hamilton could potentially bring Ferrari’s first constructors' championship since 2008. The last Ferrari driver to win the drivers' championship, meanwhile, was Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.
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