Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur made it clear that Charles Leclerc was still capable of winning in F1 amidst Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 arrival.
Charles Leclerc has raced for Scuderia Ferrari since 2019. The Monegasque driver even received the longest contract in the team’s history. However, Lewis Hamilton‘s arrival has raised questions over Leclerc’s position at Maranello. Now, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has defended the 27-year-old.
The Frenchman was asked if Charles Leclerc was ready to win the championship. Fred Vasseur insisted that the 27-year-old was now fully prepared and had become much more mature in recent years. Leclerc even outperformed Carlos Sainz this season by 66 points.
Is Leclerc ready for the World Cup? For me yes, now it is even more mature and continuous.
Fred Vasseur said, as reported by FormulaPassion.it
Moreover, Vasseur pointed out Charles Leclerc’s three victories in 2024, including an emotional triumph in Monaco. The Ferrari boss emphasized that the Monegasque driver had learnt how to handle high pressure situations, and was no longer ‘fragile.’
The victories of Montecarlo, Monza and Austin show that he can withstand the pressure, he is not fragile in those situations.
Fred Vasseur added
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to cooperate at Ferrari
Fred Vasseur shed light on his views over Hamilton pairing Leclerc from 2025. The Frenchman was convinced that the two will share a cordial relationship with mutual respect. Moreover, Vasseur claimed that both drivers will cooperate to ensure they improve together. Charles Leclerc even understands that this is an opportunity for him to prove his worth against the seven-time world champion.
I have good feelings. They respect each other, they will cooperate. Charles is aware of the project from the beginning, he subscribes to it, he knows that it is an opportunity for him too.
Fred Vasseur explained
Ferrari undoubtedly has one of the best driver pairings in recent F1 history. Things can get interesting once Hamilton and Leclerc go head-to-head against one another at Maranello. However, Fred Vasseur will likely ensure that both drivers do not cross the line or do damage to the team’s objectives.
