Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has expressed full confidence in the upcoming partnership between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, dismissing any concerns about potential friction between the drivers.
Speaking at a Christmas lunch at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, Vasseur emphasised that competition between drivers makes the team stronger.
The statement comes as seven-time Formula One champion Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari from Mercedes, replacing Carlos Sainz alongside Leclerc.
Ferrari finished as Constructors’ Championship runners-up this year, with Sainz and Leclerc securing five race victories between them, ending just 14 points behind champions McLaren.
Charles Leclerc will be Lewis Hamilton’s new team-matePA
Vasseur acknowledged the challenges of managing driver relationships, drawing from his experience with Leclerc and Sainz this year.
“It’s always a challenge,” Vasseur told reporters. “I had my challenge this year between Charles and Carlos, but I think it was part of the performance.”
He pointed to specific moments of competition between his current drivers at Monza in 2023 and Vegas in 2024.
“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,” he said.
Vasseur expressed strong confidence in the relationship between Hamilton and Leclerc, citing their existing rapport.
“Charles and Lewis, I’m not particularly worried about this.
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“They have a huge mutual respect, they know each other, they are speaking about this for months now,” Vasseur revealed.
The Ferrari boss emphasised his preference for positive competition, stating “it is much better to fight for one-two or two-three on the grid than for 19-20.”
The drivers have already shown mutual appreciation, with Leclerc expressing eagerness to learn from Hamilton, who brings experience from a record 105 career wins.
Vasseur highlighted significant improvements in Leclerc’s performance and approach over the past year.
“I think Charles improved a lot in the management, not just tyre management, the management of the race, in the approach before the weekend,” the team principal said.
The Monegasque driver demonstrated his progress by securing victories in Monaco, Monza and Austin this season.
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Whilst acknowledging room for further development, Vasseur expressed satisfaction with Leclerc’s trajectory.
“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,” he added.
“We still have to work and develop this, but he is on the right way.”
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