Charles Leclerc in his Ferrari suit

Leclerc on the charge as rumours surge of Hamilton taking the helm at Ferrari

15:42, 11 Jul

Updated: 13:15, 12 Jul

byNorberto Mujica

Charles Leclerc has been the focal point in Ferrari's F1 cars development since 2020, and under his feedback the Scuderia remains unable to break through as a clear title contender.

Of course, the current state of affairs at Ferrari is not the Monegasque driver's responsibility. As it has ever been the case, teams design and build cars that drivers are then charged with driving as fast as they can around the track.

However, the feedback a driver can provide their team with valuable and potential title-winning knowledge. World champions don't just drive their F1 cars to poles and wins, they also challenge the technical structure within the team to achieve new heights in terms of lap time, car balance, and more.

Juan Pablo Montoya, former F1 driver and 6-time Grand Prix winner, is among the experts who believe that Ferrari should shift their focus from Leclerc's input toward 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's.

And coupled with Lewis Hamilton's claims that he's had no say in the development of this year's car, it begs the questions: Is Leclerc capable of leading the Scuderia to greener- and title filled- pastures? Is Ferrari tilting their input reception toward Hamilton ahead of the technical regulations change for the 2026 season?

Leclerc hints at Ferrari shifting focus toward Hamilton's input

Addressing the ever-growing rumours that such shift may be in the cards, Leclerc told media at the Austrian Grand Prix, including GPblog: “I'm not concerned at all because it's always a big talking point outside the team.”

“Within the team, we've got all the tools to adapt a car to my way in terms of driving style or to Lewis' style."

For the Monegasque it seems to be a non-issue who the car is built around, as F1 is set to debut the set of overhauling technical regulations come next year.

“So I don't think that's the problem, and I just want the fastest car possible next year. That's exactly what Lewis wants, and then wherever we are next year, I'll set up the car in a way that I like, and Lewis will do just the same.”

Technical advancements in F1 have come a long way to aid drivers' adjustments

Leclerc sees that the way the engineering technology has progressed and the strides made in that regard can only help two drivers drive the same car with little to no difficulties.

“I'm really not worried about it. I think we are in a time where, now in Formula 1, the engineers and with where the technology is at, we just need the fastest car."

“We just put the fastest car on track, and then we've got all the freedom available," the driver of the #16 Ferrari added.

“It's not like back in 10 or 15 years ago where you were a bit stuck into a corner in terms of balance and you didn't have the tools to make the car go faster."

“Now we do have those tools, so I'm definitely not worried,” Leclerc concluded.

In the end, the Monegasque driver's British Grand Prix went up in flames following a qualifying session that went sour in the last stages of Q3, where he was heard issuing an incensed criticism at himself.

And one day later, after his race was ruined by an early pitstop call prompted by Leclerc himself, a media statement aimed at Ferrari in a quest for answers followed.