Leclerc sets expectations for Hamilton relationship at Ferrari

Charles Leclerc does not believe he and Lewis Hamilton will have a different dynamic as team-mates at Ferrari than he had with Carlos Sainz.

The Italian team switched the Spaniard, who has joined Williams, for the seven-time F1 drivers’ champion, as it pursues a first title since it won the constructors’ crown in 2008.

That 17-year drought is the Scuderia’s longest run without a championship since the advent of F1, in 1950. The Maranello-based squad narrowly missed out on the title last term, falling just 14 points short of winners McLaren.

Whilst some believe the signing of Hamilton, who will be 40 years old by the start of the season, is not an upgrade on Sainz, he will bring invaluable experience and an undeniable winning pedigree to the team.

It is uncertain whether the British driver or Leclerc will lead Ferrari’s title offensive in the drivers’ championship, but the latter nonetheless expects to have a strong relationship with Hamilton, as he did with Sainz.

Although the pair clashed on occasions, they were known for their close partnership at the Scuderia, something that aided the team’s fight for the constructors’ crown over the previous campaign.

Leclerc acknowledges he has yet to spend much time with Hamilton, but remains sure it will not be “any different” to what he is used to at Ferrari.

“No, I don’t think so,” Leclerc told media including RacingNews365 when asked if he anticipates a different dynamic between him and Hamilton. “We have a very good relationship too.

“It’s a different kind of relationship because I haven’t spent that much time with Lewis yet, but I have obviously so much respect for Lewis and what he has achieved.

“And we have had a very good relationship. We don’t have quite the same age, but we still share a lot of interest outside racing. So, no, I’m sure it won’t be any different.”