Charles Leclerc believes signing Lewis Hamilton a “super opportunity” for Ferrari to send a message to rival F1 teams 

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has claimed that Lewis Hamilton joining the Italian team in 2025 is a 'super opportunity' for the team's way of sending out a message to other rival teams. The seven-time world champion will join the Prancing Horse next year and replace Carlos Sainz on the team.

The British driver has had a multi-year contract with Mercedes, where he spent more than a decade in the sport. Hamilton and Mercedes created history in the sport by winning eight consecutive Constructors' Championships and six Drivers' Championships during their time together.

Speaking to La Stampa, Charles Leclerc pointed out that Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari is great not just for the team but also for the sport, saying (via PlanetF1):

“I see it as a super opportunity, for me and for the team, but also for our sport. Having a seven-time world champion in the team is a huge signal that we’re sending out.”

Hamilton's departure from Mercedes was a shock for the world of motorsport but Leclerc revealed that he was one of the few people who weren't surprised by the move and was kept in the loop about it by the team. He added:

“Well it wasn’t a surprise, I had known for some time that there were discussions. It motivates me a lot to demonstrate what I am capable of and I will be able to learn from one of the best drivers ever.”

Charles Leclerc gives his take on his dynamic with Lewis Hamilton

Charles Leclerc stated that he shares a great amount of respect with Lewis Hamilton and is looking forward to having him as his teammate as they have some similar interests as well apart from racing.

As quoted by the aforementioned source, the Monegasque driver said:

“There is great respect, as well as a very good relationship, but perhaps we don’t see each other enough to be friends. I am convinced that our relationship will become closer when he arrives at Ferrari, many worlds unite us. Music too.

"He already knows my music, he wrote to me when the first things came out, we discussed it quite a bit.”

However, the 26-year-old showed his softer side for his current teammate, Carlos Sainz as well, and mentioned that he felt sorry for the Spanish driver when the news about Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari became public.

But he is aware of the harsh reality that "when you sign with a team there is an expiry date, you don’t know how far away but sooner or later it will arrive and you have to accept it.”

Lewis Hamilton's deal with Ferrari would see him for them until the end of the 2026 season at least and lead their charge in the new engine regulations in the same year.