2025 is a very special year with expectations at its peak for Scuderia Ferrari. In an interesting interview with La Stampa, Charles Leclerc opens up about his ambitions, his relationship with teammate Lewis Hamilton, and the year ahead as he enters his seventh season with the legendary Italian team.

At 27 years old, Charles Leclerc is at the peak of his career, with Ferrari. As one of the fastest drivers in Formula 1, Leclerc has earned the respect of his competitors, and although his career tally of eight Grand Prix wins doesn’t fully reflect his exceptional talent, he remains as committed as ever to bring the World Championship titles back to Maranello—titles that have eluded Ferrari since 2007 for drivers and 2008 for constructors.

The upcoming 2025 season marks a pivotal moment in Leclerc’s journey, as he partners with the legendary Lewis Hamilton. Together, they aim to return Ferrari to the top of the Formula 1 world.

In the interview, Leclerc reveals the intensity of his drive to succeed. “I feel like the best version of myself,” he shares. “Each year, I improve in ways I never imagined. Last year, I found consistency, and we didn’t waste any opportunities or points.”

For Leclerc, instinct plays a key role in his driving. “Instinct is my strength,” he admits. “In a sport where everything is meticulously calculated, it’s easy to overlook the power of pure instinct. But at times, it has also been my limitation. I’ve worked hard to balance it.”

The addition of Lewis Hamilton to the team has stirred plenty of excitement among fans and pundits alike, but Leclerc is unfazed. “We’ll do everything we can to bring the drivers’ championship back to Ferrari,” Leclerc promises. “Regardless of how the first Grand Prix goes, we need to remain calm, just as we saw in 2024. With Lewis, I’m excited to compete on track under the same conditions. It’s a dream to bring Ferrari back to the top. It’s an obsession of mine.”

Leclerc remains philosophical about the attention Hamilton’s arrival has generated. “He’s a living legend, and I completely understand the hype surrounding him. But within the team, everything is normal. Ferrari is bigger than any one driver.”

When it comes to team dynamics, Leclerc has complete confidence in his relationship with Hamilton. “Having met Lewis, I’m sure the relationship will remain excellent. He knows how to separate what happens on the track from our off-track relationship,” Leclerc explains.

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has made it clear that both drivers need to be mindful of their on-track battles. “Vasseur has emphasized that we need to be careful when racing each other. But aside from that, we’re free to do whatever we want,” Leclerc adds.

As Leclerc embarks on what promises to be an exciting season, his commitment to Ferrari and his desire to lead the team back to the top are unwavering. With a new chapter unfolding alongside one of the sport’s greatest drivers in Hamilton, Leclerc’s determination and hunger for success could make 2025 the year the Prancing Horse returns to its winning ways.

Photo: courtesy of Scuderia Ferrari