Charles Leclerc reveals he was aware of discussions between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari before finalizing his own contract extension at Maranello. Leclerc signed a long-term deal in January, just a week before Hamilton’s surprising move was made public. Ferrari informed Leclerc about the developments beforehand, but it did not impact his decision due to his strong relationship with current teammate Carlos Sainz.
Leclerc acknowledges that these types of deals take time to finalize and he was not surprised by the news after signing his contract. He refrains from commenting further out of respect for Sainz, emphasizing their successful partnership and their commitment to finishing the upcoming season on a high note. Leclerc recognizes Hamilton as an incredible driver with vast experience, which will benefit both himself and the team. However, he remains focused on his own performance and states that his discussions were not influenced by Hamilton’s potential arrival.
Although Ferrari aimed to avoid overshadowing the launch of the SF-24 with Hamilton’s announcement, Leclerc admits to having conversations with his future teammate. He highlights Hamilton’s status as a great champion and seven-time world champion, expressing his interest in learning from a different approach to work and driving.
Looking ahead to 2024, Leclerc shares his experience driving the new car during a shakedown at the Fiorano circuit. He expresses a greater level of comfort compared to the previous year, noting that the car feels more stable and improved. However, he emphasizes that the car’s competitiveness cannot be determined solely based on its drivability. Leclerc acknowledges that other teams may have made significant progress in terms of lap times, which ultimately determines a car’s performance on the track. Nonetheless, he personally feels more positive about the initial laps this year compared to last year.
According to the Source racer.com