Leclerc reveals Ferrari motivation after witnessing opening-day Hamilton hyped

   Leclerc Finds Inspiration in Ferrari Excitement Sparked by Hamilton’s Debut

Charles Leclerc witnessed the buzz surrounding Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton made his much-anticipated debut with the team on Wednesday morning at Fiorano. Later that day, Leclerc took to the track himself for a wet-weather session, completing several laps and soaking in the atmosphere.

Leclerc shared how Hamilton’s arrival has created a wave of energy and motivation for him and the team, following a day of testing Ferrari’s SF-23. Hamilton managed 30 laps in foggy conditions, while Leclerc clocked 14 laps in the rain during the afternoon session. Together, the new teammates completed 44 laps—a number reflecting Hamilton’s iconic race number.

For Leclerc, the session wasn’t just about shaking off the post-holiday rust but also reconnecting with Ferrari’s passionate fanbase. “The first day back in the car is always a great feeling after the holidays,” he said. “It’s good to be on track and see so many fans here. Feeling all this excitement around the team is incredibly motivating. It was a good day, even though the weather was challenging when I drove.”

Hamilton’s debut brought an undeniable buzz to Ferrari, but Leclerc embraced the spotlight on his new teammate. Both drivers took time to greet the Tifosi, marking the beginning of a promising partnership.

Reflecting on the day, Leclerc acknowledged the significance of Hamilton’s first outing in a Ferrari. “It was special to see Lewis complete his first laps with the team—a big moment for him and Ferrari,” he said. “Now, I’m looking forward to being back in the car next week and starting the hard work for the upcoming season.”

Leclerc’s enthusiasm underscores his determination to capitalize on the new dynamic within the team as they gear up for the challenges ahead.