Lewis Hamilton says that Charles Leclerc’s work ethic is what surprised him the most about his new teammate at Ferrari.
Hamilton has gotten to know Leclerc better as his arrival at Ferrari at the end of January, with the two spending a lot of time together during pre-season private tests and events leading up to the new F1 season.
The 40-year-old Briton was asked what had surprised him the most about Leclerc during the FIA press conference ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, which will open the season this weekend.After jokingly saying, “Apart from his lovely hair? His eyes. he’s a handsome guy!” he added that “What surprised me the most? Well, I would say his work ethic. It’s really good.”
“I didn’t know that before, you don’t know what goes on behind the scenes.”
“Of course,I think every driver works very hard,but everyone has their own method to achieve their ultimate performance. And it was really interesting to see.”
“It’s not very different from me; we see a young,hardworking driver who is fully committed. He has obviously been with the team for a long time. It’s like his second home.”
“Obviously, he has already experienced great moments at Ferrari. So he is really,really Mr.Ferrari and it was really great working alongside him during winter and I’m really looking forward to working with him this year.”
Hamilton replaced Carlos Sainz at Ferrari. The Spaniard, now driving for Williams, also praised Leclerc.
“I think no one needs to talk about his talent and speed. Everyone knows it.He does an incredible job and contributes to Ferrari’s recent growth as well. And Ferrari also has an excellent ambassador in him. Congratulations to him!”
“He has progressed as a driver but also as a human being and he is probably in one of the most glorious phases of his career right now. He feels matured comfortable and probably ready to win so let’s see what they can do together this year Lewis and him.”
