Charles Leclerc has seen off Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz since Ferrari promoted him, yet Piero Ferrari thinks he faces a ‘generational issue’ alongside Lewis Hamilton.
The Monegasque has welcomed Hamilton to Maranello ahead of the 2025 season following his defection from Mercedes. The Briton is only the fourth teammate that Leclerc has faced in Formula 1 so far with Marcus Ericsson the first he shared a garage with at Sauber in 2018.
Ferrari have firmly believed in Leclerc since the 27-year-old’s run in their driver academy. He has effectively built the Scuderia around the Monte Carlo native, as well, since moving from Sauber to partner four-time F1 champion Vettel in 2019. Leclerc also has a contract to 2029.
Piero Ferrari sees Charles Leclerc vs Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari as a ‘generational’ fight
Hamilton joining Leclerc at Ferrari could create the fiercest inner-team battle the eight-time Grand Prix winner has faced so far, though. The 40-year-old arrives chasing a record eighth title, and keen to add to Hamilton’s F1 record win (105), pole (104) and podium (202) tallies.
Ferrari vice chairman Piero Ferrari also feels Hamilton joining Leclerc in Maranello presents a ‘generational issue’ for the latter. The Monegasque is representing the younger racers and the Briton personifying the veteran drivers, such as Fernando Alonso plus Nico Hulkenberg.
READ MORE: Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Piero Ferrari, the son of Enzo Ferrari, further likens the Leclerc vs Hamilton duel to that now seen in tennis as Italian superstar Jannik Sinner takes it to veterans like Novak Djokovic. The 23-year-old recently won his third Grand Slam title by defending his Australian Open trophy.
“It’s always been like this between teammates,” Piero Ferrari has told Autosprint. “It’s part of the game.
“In Charles’ case, there’s also the generational issue that we’re witnessing in tennis with Sinner and other kids. The freshness of the youngsters versus the experience and solidity of those who are many years older.
“I’m sure that the rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc will be able to bring advantages to both of them.”
Charles Leclerc could send Lewis Hamilton into retirement from Formula 1
Sinner’s rise on the ATP Tour has coincided with a slump for Djokovic, who boasts the record for Grand Slam titles with 24 – including a record 10 Australian Open titles. But whilst Sinner won each of his first three Grand Slam titles in the past year, Djokovic sealed his last in 2023.
Questions also now linger over if Djokovic will retire after pulling out of the 2025 Australian Open through injury in the semi-finals. The Serbian has sustained frequent fitness problems recently that create doubts over if Djokovic will follow Rafael Nadal in hanging up his racket.
READ MORE: Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family
Those same questions may come Hamilton’s way if the 40-year-old struggles at Ferrari next to Leclerc. While he signed an initial two-year deal to move to Maranello, the Briton has not joined the Scuderia at the top of his career. If anything, Hamilton joins Ferrari past his peak.
Piero Ferrari is unconcerned by Hamilton’s age after turning 40 in January. But, unlike the F1 record-setting Briton, Leclerc could still have the best years of his Formula 1 career ahead of the 27-year-old. So, the Monegasque will not want any blemishes on his record this season.
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