Jun.26 (GMM) Charles Leclerc has rejected suggestions Lewis Hamilton is turning Ferrari into ‘his’ team after the seven-time world champion’s breakthrough victory in Barcelona.
Hamilton’s resurgence, coupled with Leclerc’s recent crashes, has fuelled speculation the Monegasque risks slipping into a supporting role alongside his famous teammate.
But speaking at the Red Bull Ring, Leclerc insisted the Ferrari still suits him.
“I don’t feel particularly stressed,” he said.
“The last few races haven’t been enjoyable. I didn’t feel comfortable in the car in Montreal and Monte Carlo, and I lost a bit of confidence in it. On top of that, there were the retirements in Monaco and Spain. We’ve lost a lot of points.”
Leclerc says confidence returned in Barcelona despite the brake issue that ended his race.
“We have a winning car again, and if I do my part, then I can win again.”
He also dismissed paddock suggestions the 2026 Ferrari now favours Hamilton’s driving style.
“That’s not true,” Leclerc said.
“We have a lot of leeway with the setup on the new cars, and I’m not restricted in any way. I don’t have a fundamental problem with the car – things went well at the beginning of the year.
“I already felt more comfortable in Barcelona, and I also like the Red Bull Ring. I’m not thinking about the fact that my last victory was a while ago.
“I know the Ferrari is a winning car again. Lewis has proven it. Now it’s up to me.”
Former F1 driver Christian Klien believes Hamilton’s improved relationship with his race engineer has also helped unlock his pace.
“It seems to me that he is significantly happier with his new race engineer and that this generation of cars suits him better,” the Austrian told Servus TV.
“The driver now has more freedom to utilise his driving style. And if the pace is also comparable to Charles Leclerc, his ideas and wishes carry more weight within the team.”
However, Klien does not believe Leclerc should be written off.
“Leclerc will recover, I’m not worried about that. He can match Hamilton’s speed.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton revealed fresh details about the neck injury he suffered after a heavy crash early last season. “It’s a private matter, but last year I had a very hard impact with the wall during practice and a cervical disc popped out, pressing on a nerve,” he said.
“I couldn’t do much for about nine weeks. I couldn’t sleep. I was taking painkillers and had to get injections.
“I did everything I could to try and fix it.”
The Briton also brushed off criticism that surrounded his difficult start at Ferrari – which has now turned into high praise.
“It’s been crazy to see how people have done a 180-degree turn and changed their minds about what they were saying before,” Hamilton said.
“The truth is, I don’t pay much attention to that.”
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