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Debate

Can Hamilton's mentorship turn Leclerc into the next F1 champion? What do you think?

Sometimes, even the most elite F1 drivers need a harsh reality check. Whether it’s about their performance or the team they race for, clarity is essential. Recently, Ferrari and their ‘Golden Boy,’ Charles Leclerc, have been served some brutal truths. The last few races have peeled back the layers, exposing flaws that had long been concealed. And Leclerc? He keeps missing the mark. What’s going wrong?

The last time ‘Lord Percival’ was a serious contender for the championship was in 2022. Since then, for one reason or another, Leclerc has continually fallen short. F1 presenter Will Buxton shares this sentiment, suggesting that perhaps a change is needed. Buxton believes that Lewis Hamilton could be Charles’ unexpected boon. In a recent interview, Buxton expressed his opinion that Ferrari’s A1 could benefit immensely from having Hamilton on the team.

Hamilton could become Charles Leclerc’s guide to fix the lacking areas

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Buxton told F1MAXIMAAL, “Charles Leclerc is highly regarded.” The F1 presenter added: “He is one of the best drivers over one lap.” We are no strangers to how smart and fast Leclerc can be. Leclerc’s collection of podiums and five Grand Prix wins testify to his worth and grit in the sport. However, the Ferrari star seems to be stuck in a loop of strong initial races followed by a drop in performance. So, Will Buxton feels: “Charles lacks the knowledge and the confirmation for himself that he can put together a full season, and that he can win the title.” In 2022, Leclerc looked poised for the title, but reliability issues, strategic blunders, and personal mistakes allowed Verstappen to retain his title with relative ease. And the ritual continues.

However, with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next year, Leclerc is to be on the advantage end. Buxton believes Ferrari will benefit greatly from signing the British superstar. “Charles being able to learn from Lewis will strengthen him enormously. I don’t think that’s been talked about enough when we talk about Lewis coming to Ferrari.” Moreover, it’s not just about getting a seven-time world champion in the team. It’s also about what Lewis has as a driver that Charles lacks. “What can Charles learn from Lewis? That’s going to be key to creating Charles as a complete driver,” Buxton said.

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The veteran has asked some highly anticipated questions. And we won’t get the answers until 2025. Meanwhile, we could continue with our speculations on the Ferrari squad in the new regulations era. What will the team be like? Can they revive themselves to win a title? More importantly, what will Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have to offer to the team?

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What will the Leclerc-Hamilton duo bring to Ferrari in the upcoming years?

What’s your perspective on:

Can Hamilton's mentorship turn Leclerc into the next F1 champion? What do you think?

Have an interesting take?

First, Lewis Hamilton will come to Maranello with his golden baggage. No, don’t get us wrong, the F1 icon will bring his baggage of experience and lessons for the youngsters of Ferrari. Having conquered every achievement and record in F1, the Mercedes driver will have lots to offer to the Red Squad. At the same time, the chase for the eighth title will continue. Lewis Hamilton’s love for motorsport will play a major role in his collaboration.

Standing at par with the legend himself, the Monegasque must deliver. “I don’t like to be on the back,” Leclerc recently told. Moreover, he is under pressure to compete with and against someone as humongous as Lewis Hamilton himself. Leclerc’s strong mindset and loyalty to Ferrari will be crucial. 2025 will be a stepping stone toward the new regulations era of 2026 and beyond. Fred Vasseur‘s teams have to take their game plan to a stratospheric level if they want to win.

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Ferrari is a team of legacy and success. Motorsport is their genre and nothing can stray them away from their path to glory. It has been two decades since they last won a title in F1. Now with Hamilton and Leclerc in the squad, the Maranello-based team would be hungrier. Meanwhile, Will Buxton’s close analysis gives a glimpse of how important the F1 legend is going to be for the Prancing Horse, and Charles could benefit exponentially. So, will Ferrari regain their might soon?