Charles Leclerc has expressed admiration for Lewis Hamilton‘s remarkable ability to brake later than most drivers, including his previous teammates Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz. Since joining Ferrari, Leclerc has consistently demonstrated his talent, competing alongside some of the best in Formula 1. Hamilton’s superior late braking stands out even among these elite drivers, making a significant impression on the Monagasque racer.

Leclerc initially raced with four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in 2019 and 2020, followed by Carlos Sainz from 2021 to 2024, before partnering with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Despite the high caliber of his teammates, Leclerc’s performance has remained exceptional, and his current rivalry with Hamilton highlights the British driver’s unique braking prowess.

When asked what has surprised him the most about racing alongside Hamilton, Leclerc noted that although he expected many outstanding qualities from the multiple world champion, the way Hamilton brakes caught him off guard. Leclerc stated,

“I expected many, many things from Lewis. Obviously joining the team and having so much success in F1, you kind of expect to see the speed, the special things, in terms of driving. So all these kind of things were expected.”

He went on to say,

“I still got surprised with the way he brakes, by example. I think how late he brakes is very impressive. In my career, I’ve always been the one braking later than my team-mates and that is a particular driving style I didn’t really see in any of my team-mates. I think Lewis is a step ahead, even more so in that direction. So that surprised me.”

Leclerc Impressed by Hamilton’s Focus and Discipline Beyond the Track

Beyond Hamilton’s skill behind the wheel, Leclerc revealed that the British driver’s discipline and ability to juggle numerous commitments while maintaining peak performance impressed him greatly. Hamilton is known for managing various projects alongside his racing career, yet his focus during race weekends remains unwavering.

Leclerc commented on this level of professionalism, saying,

“But then for the rest, I think the rest is what surprised me the most, and it’s things that I did not expect. His discipline is very, very impressive. From outside, I obviously remember I was seeing him managing so many different things, and I was like, ‘This has to be hard.’”

He added,

“But then when you look at how organised everything is, you can understand that he’s just 200 per cent focused on racing, and then everything is super well organised for these other projects to run very smoothly, without his implications daily.”

Leclerc’s observations highlight Hamilton’s exceptional ability to concentrate fully on his racing duties, supported by a strong organizational structure that allows him to handle external activities efficiently. This blend of skill, focus, and professionalism sets Hamilton apart as a teammate and competitor.

The Challenge Ahead for Hamilton at Ferrari

As Lewis Hamilton continues his tenure at Ferrari, both he and Charles Leclerc aim to extract more performance from their car to close the competitive gap within the team. Hamilton’s remarkable late braking technique and composed approach to the sport provide a strong foundation for future success, though the challenges remain high in a fiercely competitive Formula 1 environment.

The dynamic between Leclerc and Hamilton not only pushes both drivers to raise their level but also propels Ferrari toward regaining its position at the front of the grid. Hamilton’s unique driving style combined with his disciplined mindset will be crucial factors as the team strives to improve results throughout the current season.