“Leclerc ‘Shocked and Disappointed’ by Hamilton’s Ferrari Move”

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was surprised and disappointed by the news that Sir Lewis Hamilton was joining the team for the 2025 season, according to Italian media reports.

Hamilton shocked the Formula One world last week when he announced he would leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time champion has signed a multi-year contract with Leclerc and will replace Carlos Sainz.

The news comes a week after Leclerc renewed his contract with Ferrari, seemingly cementing his status as the team’s “golden boy” and leader. However, Hamilton’s arrival could change the internal balance of the team, especially if Ferrari builds a competitive car for the title.

While initial reports suggested that Leclerc was aware of talks between Ferrari and Hamilton and wanted to compete with F1’s most successful driver, Corriere dello Sport now claims otherwise. According to the publication, Leclerc and his team were surprised and “didn’t know what to expect”.

Although surprising, Leclerc and his team chose not to comment publicly on the matter, perhaps not to appear vulnerable in the face of unexpected changes.

Leclerc’s desire to become Ferrari’s first champion since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 was evident from his recent long-term contract. However, details of the exact length of the contract have yet to be revealed, suggesting there may be a clause to allow him to leave if his title prospects do not improve.

Hamilton’s former Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas expressed his “surprise” at the move and wondered how things would turn out. Bottas, who has been touted as Hamilton’s potential replacement at Mercedes, is also positive about the challenges Hamilton will face at Ferrari.

The 2025 season promises to be exciting with this amazing twist, and F1 fans can’t wait to witness the on-track dynamics of the two talented drivers, Leclerc and Hamilton.