Charles Leclerc has revealed surprise at finding a striking similarity in driving approach with new Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari welcomed Hamilton this year after his stellar 12-year spell with Mercedes. Despite lofty expectations, the Maranello team have struggled early on, claiming just one podium in the first five races, courtesy of Leclerc’s third-place result in Saudi Arabia.
Leclerc described Ferrari’s car development as “extreme,” highlighting it as a fresh challenge in his seventh season with the team. “The path we’re on is quite intense,” he said to the media. “It’s a new experience for me.”
Downplaying concerns about tailoring his driving style to the car’s behavior, Leclerc stressed the adaptability of modern F1 cars. “There’s a lot of talk about how driving style matters,” he remarked.
“But with setup options, we have plenty of freedom to shape the car to our preferences. It doesn’t change much.”
As Ferrari push to climb the championship order, Leclerc revealed an unexpected harmony with Hamilton, particularly in their aggressive corner-entry techniques. “It’s always better when we’re aligned on what the car needs,” Leclerc said.
“I was genuinely surprised by how closely Lewis and I approach corners, especially on entry. We’re both quite bold, and that means we require similar things from the car.”
This alignment could be key as Ferrari seek to translate their drivers’ shared approach into improved performance.
Their next chance arrives at the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, where they will contest 57 laps of the 5.412-kilometer Miami International Autodrome at the Hard Rock Stadium complex on Sunday, May 4.
With Ferrari determined to reverse their early-season struggles, fans will be eager to see if Leclerc and Hamilton’s synchronized styles can ignite a turnaround in Miami.
