Charles Leclerc says his new team mate Lewis Hamilton has chosen the right time to join Ferrari as they are on a clear upward trajectory.

Ferrari finished second in the constructors’ championship last year, just 16 points behind winners McLaren. The team is heading into its third year under the leadership of Frederic Vasseur, whom Leclerc credits for giving Ferrari clear targets and encouraging a calm atmosphere.

“I think Lewis is coming into the team at the right time,” Leclerc told media including RaceFans during today’s launch. “I think Fred is a guy that, as I’ve said, has a very big strength of keeping the emotional level of the team at a very good level. We have been so much more solid in that way in the past years.

“Obviously the fact that Lewis has joined the team has been a big boost and has been amazing in so many ways. But I feel like the team is very calm and very clear in what is the direction to work in and not getting too affected by everything that is going around the team. That is extremely important and that’s great to see.”

Leclerc led the drivers’ championship early in 2022, but fell to second behind Max Verstappen as Red Bull began to dominate. Vasseur took charge of the team the following year, and by the second half of last season Ferrari were consistently winning races again.

That has given Leclerc confidence they can begin the season with a competitive car. Although he is going up against a seven-times world champion in the same car this year, he is convinced he will be able to compete for the title.

“Of course it’s very early,” said Leclerc, who drove Ferrari’s 2025 car for the first time today. “If we’ve got the car capable to fight on a regular basis in the front, I think [I can compete].

“But I feel like it’s going to be a very close season. If that’s the case, then I can see many contenders for the title. But of course I believe in myself and I think I’ve got the qualities to do that.”

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and

Miss nothing from RaceFans

Get a daily email with all our latest stories – and nothing else. No marketing, no ads. Sign up here:

Formula 1

Browse all Formula 1 articles