Leclerc Reveals Major Shift in Approach Since Hamilton Joined Ferrari

Charles Leclerc has undergone a significant change in his approach since studying the valuable lessons of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton made a shocking switch from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 F1 season.

His arrival marked a major challenge for Leclerc, who had previously dominated Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.

Leclerc has continued to be Ferrari's top driver at the track, achieving a 100% podium finish rate for the team this year.

Although Hamilton struggled to achieve significant results, Leclerc actually benefited from working with the seven-time world champion.

In an interview with L'Equipe, Leclerc explained what he learned from Hamilton, particularly in his approach during the weekend of the race.

'I learned a lot from Lewis, especially in terms of his work ethic, how he analyzes the data, and which data is important to him,' Leclerc said. 'I won't go into details, but before his arrival, I was more focused on intuition.

'Now, especially when it comes to adjusting the tire temperature, I pay much more attention to the numbers and data. Lewis is very diligent and meticulous in terms of giving the tire a good window to work with, especially during qualifying.

'With his arrival, I had to learn a lot. Seeing him join the team has been a huge motivation for me, and I feel like I can compare myself to him. Lewis is very helpful, and I don't feel like I'm in his shadow at all.

Ferrari failed to meet expectations in the 2025 season, with the SF-25 being a highly disappointing car. Unlike its predecessor, which performed well on the track, the SF-25 has been marred by various limitations.

Leclerc and Hamilton have often found themselves struggling to "push and brake" throughout the season, while Hamilton has continued to struggle to rein in the Ferrari car.

This winless season for the team has raised speculations about Frederic Vasseur's future.

Ferrari CEO John Elkann has been vocal, asking the drivers to "talk less" and focus on racing.

The 2026 season will be crucial for Scuderia, with the introduction of new technical regulations. A poor start could quickly create an unfavorable climate.

Leclerc has been linked to a potential move to Aston Martin, while Vasseur's position may be at risk if the team starts poorly.