Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur insists he’s “not particularly worried” about managing the relationship between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, dismissing concerns about potential friction between the two star drivers.
After an immensely successful twelve-year stint with Mercedes, Hamilton has replaced Carlos Sainz at the Scuderia, opening a new fascinating chapter in his illustrious career.
Vasseur, speaking to reporters this week during Ferrari’s traditional Christmas lunch, acknowledged that handling competitive relationships between drivers is always a delicate balance but emphasized the positives such rivalries bring to the team.
“It’s always a challenge,” Vasseur said, quoted by Reuters' Alan Baldwin. “I had my challenge this year between Charles and Carlos, but I think it was part of the performance.
“Between Charles and Carlos we had some moments — Monza ’23 or Vegas ’24 — but at the end of the day I think it was beneficial for the performance of the team.”
Ferrari enjoyed one of its strongest seasons in recent years, finishing as overall runners-up in F1’s Constructors’ championship, just 14 points behind McLaren.
Sainz and Leclerc combined for five victories, with Leclerc taking three wins at Monaco, Monza, and Austin.
However, the opportunity to bring Hamilton – the most successful driver in the sport’s history with 105 career wins – into the fold proved irresistible for Ferrari as they aim to reclaim championship glory.
Despite the inherent risks of pairing two elite competitors, Vasseur is optimistic that Hamilton and Leclerc’s relationship will be productive rather than explosive.
“Charles and Lewis, I’m not particularly worried about this,” he added.
“They have a huge mutual respect, they know each other, they are speaking about this for months now and I think it is much better to fight for one-two or two-three on the grid than for 19-20.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes as he continues to chase an elusive eighth world title, a record that would elevate him even further into the pantheon of F1 legends.
Meanwhile, Leclerc, widely regarded as one of the most talented drivers of his generation, is hungry for his first championship after years of unfulfilled potential at Ferrari.
Leclerc’s 2024 season showcased his growth, both in his racecraft and in his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Reflecting on the Monegasque’s development, Vasseur praised his star driver’s progress.
“I think Charles improved a lot in the management, not just tyre management, the management of the race, in the approach before the weekend,” Vasseur said.
“For sure it’s never perfect, and we have all to do improvement everywhere, but I think he is in a better shape today than he was 12 months ago. We still have to work and develop this, but he is on the right way.”
The partnership between Hamilton and Leclerc is also bolstered by their mutual admiration. Throughout the 2024 season, the two drivers frequently spoke highly of each other, with Leclerc recently stating he looked forward to learning from Hamilton’s experience and wisdom.
While comparisons between the two are inevitable, they bring complementary strengths to Ferrari. Hamilton’s unmatched record of 104 career pole positions contrasts with his recent qualifying struggles, while Leclerc’s prowess over a single lap has often been a standout feature of his performances.
As Ferrari prepares for the new season, Vasseur is focused on fostering an environment where both drivers can thrive while pushing the team to even greater heights.
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