Charles Leclerc, Ferrari Formula 1 driver, claims of prior knowledge of Lewis Hamilton deal with the team. He says he finalized his deal with the team after the team had already decided to take Hamilton on team.
The Monegasque driver and Scuderia extended their terms for a longer period. Both announced new contract a week before a bombshell news of Hamilton joining the team.
Leclerc spoke on the matter and briefed that team had him onboarded about the Hamilton decision. He believes there is no downside to the current development.
“Obviously these kind of deals are not finalised overnight,” he commented on the timing of new contracts.
“So, it takes time, of course. I was aware of those discussions before signing my deal. So, it didn’t come out as a surprise after signing.”
He added: “Lewis is an incredible driver, the most successful in history and with lots of experience as well, which he will bring to the team and obviously myself, which is a good thing.
“But, with Carlos [Sainz], it has been great and we’ve got one more year together to try and do the best job possible.”
Hamilton on boarding with Ferrari is a great deal for the team. Leclerc rejected any effect on his deal while onboarding the Mercedes driver.
Read More: Hamilton: Leaving Mercedes for Ferrari is the “hardest decision”
“No, it hasn’t changed anything in my discussions. Because, again, I focus on myself and what’s good for me,” he said.
“There was no change of any requirements or whatsoever for me. That wasn’t part of my discussions.
“I think it was good that the team was transparent anyway just for me to not learn it after that. But it didn’t change anything for me.”
After Hamilton’s confirmation with the team, Leclerc remained in touch with the former driver. He believes the British driver has a lot to offer after joining team.
“Yes, we’ve had discussions with Lewis, especially when everything was announced and official,” he said. “We texted each other, of course.
“Lewis is a great champion with a lot of experience and so much success. So, it is always interesting to have a new team-mate as you learn different ways of working, of driving, and even more so when my new team-mate is a seven-time world champion.”
