Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has decided to chart his own course, distancing himself from Lewis Hamilton’s influence.
- Despite a shaky start to the F1 2025 season, Leclerc is determined to find his own path with Ferrari’s SF-25.
- Leclerc’s announcement came after a notable performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he outqualified Hamilton.
- Ferrari has been heavily relying on Hamilton’s insights since his move from Mercedes, adding drama to Leclerc’s decision.
- As the Bahrain Grand Prix approaches, Leclerc is focused on maximizing his performance and pushing Ferrari to new heights.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari has taken a bold step this F1 season by choosing to forge his own path with the SF-25, stepping away from the influence of team member Lewis Hamilton. This move, highlighted by the publication Corriere dello Sport, suggests a significant shift within the Ferrari team dynamics.
Ferrari hasn’t had the best start in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship, currently positioned in fourth place. Though Hamilton managed a Sprint win in China, it’s Leclerc’s fourth place finish in Japan that marks Ferrari’s best showing so far this season. The team is exploring updates to improve the SF-25’s performance, notably a new floor to enhance balance and driveability. However, there’s internal debate about its debut timeline.
On the heels of the Japanese Grand Prix, where Leclerc qualified fourth, outperforming Hamilton who started in eighth, Leclerc informed team principal Fred Vasseur and key engineers about his decision to pursue a unique setup strategy tailored to his driving style for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
Ferrari has been leaning heavily on Hamilton’s experience and advice since his surprising transition from Mercedes at the start of 2025. Hamilton has openly expressed concerns about certain underperforming components in the car and disparities between the two sides of the garage, intensifying the drama.
Leclerc, despite finishing fourth in Japan, expressed the overall underperformance and challenges faced with the SF-25. He noted that while he was pleased with their strategy, the car’s pace was lacking. Looking ahead to Bahrain, he remains realistic about the vehicle’s current potential, acknowledging limits in performance but remaining optimistic for better results as the season progresses.
In the current driver standings, Leclerc holds a slight lead over Hamilton, having finished ahead in all the races this year. As the racing calendar moves forward, the dynamics between these two drivers continue to be a focal point.
Leclerc’s decision to navigate his own path at Ferrari adds intrigue to the F1 season, as the team strives to improve its standing.
