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 group, which is a clearly low tally contemplating his expertise and the variety of races he has contested. The Monegasque driver might undoubtedly have achieved rather more if the Prancing Horse had supplied him with extra aggressive automobiles throughout these years. On the subject of pole positions, the quantity rises: we’re speaking about 26 begins from the entrance. A determine that highlights his distinctive talent in single-lap efficiency and understanding of the automobile. Ten quickest laps, forty-three podiums, two hat tips, and one grand slam.
The overall factors amassed, together with his debut Components 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 Components 1 marketing campaign is the final underneath the present guidelines and laws. Then, one other revolution will arrive, perhaps the largest the highest tier of motorsport has ever seen. On condition that we have no idea how the steadiness of energy will shift, because the FIA has launched really radical adjustments, 2025 stays a primary goal that the Maranello group is closely targeted on.
Within the meantime Carlos Sainz has left the Italian aspect and Lewis Hamilton has arrived. The seven-time Components 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. Nonetheless, he doesn’t see it that method in any respect. Quite the opposite, similar to Ferrari group 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 prospect to make historical past. By becoming a member of Ferrari, he goals to convey the Maranello group 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 turn out to be the best residing sports activities legend. All very thrilling—aside from one small element: his teammate.
Just lately, Italian journalist and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini, who’s a widely known good friend 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 simple: it was, in any case, his debut for probably the most prestigious group, alongside a four-time Components 1 world champion like Sebastian Vettel. His response? “I’ll crush him.” And actually, though he completed behind the German on that event, he was faster, and solely a group 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, trying at this time, who might probably suppose the Monegasque doesn’t intend to do the identical with Lewis Hamilton?
The teammate, in Components 1, has all the time been the primary rival. And when two drivers race for a similar group, with the identical automobile and the prospect to win, the competitors naturally intensifies. How would Charles Leclerc really feel if Ferrari returned to profitable a championship, nevertheless 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 nicely. And the Brit is aware of this very nicely. He’s no idiot. That’s why his consideration to element is at its peak.
Now we have 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 chance, after Fernando Alonso, he will probably be dealing with the strongest teammate he has ever needed to share a storage with. The 2 are pals, or at the least their relationship appears glorious at this stage. And hopefully for Ferrari, it stays that method and also will end result within the Maranello group profitable the Constructors’ championship after virtually twenty years. However the motivation Charles Leclerc may have this 12 months can solely be described as immense. Persistently outpacing probably the most profitable driver in historical past would give him even larger confidence in his skills.
Charles Leclerc’ twin goal is exactly this: to beat Lewis Hamilton and win the 2025 Components 1 championship. It will be the head 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 may have no intention of agreeing. And if the SF-25 proves to be a title contender, the battle forward on monitor might be completely epic. The primary actual indication of this is available in a couple of month, when the brand new automobiles hit the monitor on the Albert Park circuit in Australia.
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