Charles Leclerc opens up on ‘very difficult’ Carlos Sainz moments ahead of Lewis Hamilton arrival

The partnership between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will conclude at the end of F1 2024.

Charles Leclerc has said he and Carlos Sainz have “overcome some very difficult moments” together as Ferrari team-mates as he prepares to welcome Lewis Hamilton for F1 2025.

Ferrari has not yet managed to break its dry spell from the 2008 Constructors’ title. However, both Leclerc and Sainz have claimed race victories during their tenure together, and have also forged a powerful friendship off the track.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz overcome ‘very difficult moments’ at Ferrari

In February, it was announced that Hamilton will join Scuderia from F1 2025. In a corresponding move, Sainz will transfer to Williams. After considering his options, the Spanish driver chose the Grove-based team as his next destination.

Leclerc conceded that Hamilton’s arrival indicates the team’s continued strength, despite Sainz having had some notable performances during his tenure as a Ferrari driver.

When asked if Hamilton’s signing has had an impact on his view of Ferrari as a whole, Leclerc told the Italian edition of Motorsport.com: “It was reassuring because taking a driver like Lewis Hamilton is obviously a strong signal.

“I viewed it as a beneficial decision, primarily because Lewis had the ability to bring highly skilled individuals into the team.”

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Leclerc spoke about Sainz, saying that their partnership has been productive. The 29-year-old, who will be moving to Williams, came to Ferrari without a single race victory but is now leaving as a multiple grand prix winner.

Despite experiencing difficult moments, both drivers have found enjoyment in working together.

“Of course. But I’d like to say that I’m very happy with the way I’ve worked with Carlos, he’s an incredible driver and we’ve overcome some very difficult moments during our time at Ferrari,” Leclerc said.

We are improving due to his contribution as well, we have always collaborated effectively together.

Simultaneously, it is always exciting and highly motivating to have a seven-time World Champion join the team; indeed, it is great news.

The prospect of learning from one of the best drivers in F1 history is intriguing, and the opportunity to compare myself with Lewis in the same car is incredibly motivating.

I eagerly anticipate starting this new chapter for two reasons, yet it’s important to note that I’ve always had a great relationship with Carlos as well.

I have complete faith in the team’s work, and I believe Carlos feels the same. Occasionally, disparities in perspectives are actually tied to one’s manner of speaking, where a slightly altered word can convey a significantly different meaning.

To be honest, being a part of the team has always given me the same level of optimism and feedback from Sainz. However, it might be portrayed differently from an outsider’s perspective.

“Over the past seven to eight months, we’ve made significant progress. We did encounter issues in Barcelona, but that was a unique situation. We’ve identified our mistakes and I’m confident that we’ll be back on course soon.”

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