Charles Leclerc has gained eight races with Ferrari: Belgium, Italy, Bahrain, Australia, Austria, Monza once more, and the US. These victories are unfold over six years on the Maranello staff, which is a clearly low tally contemplating his expertise and the variety of races he has contested. The Monegasque driver may undoubtedly have achieved far more if the Prancing Horse had offered him with extra aggressive vehicles throughout these years. In the case of pole positions, the quantity rises: we’re speaking about 26 begins from the entrance. A determine that highlights his distinctive ability in single-lap efficiency and understanding of the automotive. Ten quickest laps, forty-three podiums, two hat methods, and one grand slam.
The whole factors gathered, together with his debut System 1 season with Alfa Romeo, quantity to 1,430. Now, because the Ferrari driver prepares for his eighth season, expectations are very excessive, particularly contemplating the truth that the 2024 System 1 marketing campaign is the final underneath the present guidelines and laws. Then, one other revolution will arrive, possibly the most important the highest tier of motorsport has ever seen. On condition that we have no idea how the stability of energy will shift, because the FIA has launched really radical modifications, 2025 stays a primary goal that the Maranello staff is closely centered on.
Within the meantime Carlos Sainz has left the Italian aspect and Lewis Hamilton has arrived. The seven-time System 1 world champion lands in Italy on the age of 40. Many imagine he’s not the phenomenon he as soon as was. In spite of everything, age takes its toll on everybody. Nevertheless, he doesn’t see it that approach in any respect. Quite the opposite, similar to Ferrari staff principal Frederic Vasseur, he’s completely satisfied he can nonetheless make an enormous distinction. That’s exactly why he has taken on this problem. The Brit has stepped out of his consolation zone, leaving Mercedes behind to embark on a brand new journey—the ultimate chapter of his extraordinary profession.
The British driver has the possibility to make historical past. By becoming a member of Ferrari, he goals to carry the Maranello staff again to the highest of the world. And if he succeeds, it might be really spectacular. Imagining such a situation means acknowledging that Lewis Hamilton would immediately change into the best dwelling sports activities legend. All very thrilling—apart from one small element: his teammate.
Lately, Italian journalist and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini, who’s a widely known buddy of the Monegasque driver, shared some fascinating insights in his well-respected columns, recalling a comment Charles Leclerc made in 2019 earlier than the Australian Grand Prix. Ferrari had requested him to take it straightforward: it was, in any case, his debut for probably the most prestigious staff, alongside a four-time System 1 world champion like Sebastian Vettel. His response? “I’ll crush him.” And in reality, though he completed behind the German on that event, he was faster, and solely a staff radio instructing him to not assault decided the end result. The remainder is historical past as a result of, because the Italian journalist identified, it was Charles Leclerc who initiated Sebastian Vettel’s retirement.
Now, wanting at the moment, who may probably assume the Monegasque doesn’t intend to do the identical with Lewis Hamilton?
The teammate, in System 1, has all the time been the primary rival. And when two drivers race for a similar staff, with the identical automotive and the possibility to win, the competitors naturally intensifies. How would Charles Leclerc really feel if Ferrari returned to profitable a championship, however it was the Britih driver who achieved it? To clear up any doubts, as Leo Turrini factors out, the prodigal son’s intentions are already set: to present his finest and show that he can defat Lewis Hamilton as properly. And the Brit is aware of this very properly. He’s no idiot. That’s why his consideration to element is at its peak.
We have now seen him taking notes throughout his appearances with the Italian aspect, one thing by no means seen at Mercedes. He’s pushing himself to the restrict as a result of, in all probability, after Fernando Alonso, he might be going through the strongest teammate he has ever needed to share a storage with. The 2 are pals, or at the least their relationship appears wonderful at this stage. And hopefully for Ferrari, it stays that approach and also will consequence within the Maranello staff profitable the Constructors’ championship after nearly twenty years. However the motivation Charles Leclerc can have this yr can solely be described as immense. Persistently outpacing probably the most profitable driver in historical past would give him even higher confidence in his skills.
Charles Leclerc’ twin goal is exactly this: to beat Lewis Hamilton and win the 2025 System 1 championship. It might be the top of his motorsport profession, with a double satisfaction—reaching the highest of the world with Ferrari, as he has all the time dreamed, whereas additionally relishing absolutely the gratification of doing so by defeating Lewis Hamilton. The proverbial cherry on high. Too unhealthy the Brit can have no intention of agreeing. And if the SF-25 proves to be a title contender, the battle forward on monitor may very well be completely epic. The primary actual indication of this is available in a few month, when the brand new vehicles hit the monitor on the Albert Park circuit in Australia.
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