CHARLES LECLERC has been left “shocked and disappointed” by Ferrari’s move to sign Lewis Hamilton, according to reports.
Last week it was announced that seven-time Formula One champion Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025.
The Hamilton news came one week after Ferrari signed Leclerc down to a new multi-year contract.
However, according to a sensational report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Leclerc and his entourage were unhappy about the move.
The report claims the Monegasque has been left “shocked and disappointed” and had no idea the move was in the works.
He is said to have kept quiet about his feelings until now to not “reveal a weakness”.
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This feeling is said to come from the 26-year-old feeling under threat in his position as Ferrari’s No1 driver.
Since joining the team in 2018, Leclerc has established his position against Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.
The claims contradict earlier reports in Italian media which suggested Leclerc was welcoming of Hamilton joining Ferrari.
Counter reports in Spain say he was in fact aware of the move, with F1 journalist Sergio Rodríguez saying Leclerc was informed of the arrival before renewing his contract.
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Despite talk of their future rivalry, Piero Ferrari – the son of Ferrari founder Enzo and a board member – has said: “Charles is the champion of the future, Ferrari believes in him and has proved it, I think.
“Hamilton is Hamilton. I don’t see why they should fight.”
In June, Leclerc fuelled rumours that Hamilton was set to move to Ferrari when he was asked what he looked for in a team-mate while in a press conference alongside the Brit, responding by looking at the 39-year-old and saying “Hello Lewis”.
The Hamilton announcement helped see Ferrari’s market value increase by £3billion.
Hamilton will become the 12th British driver to race for the Prancing Horse as he looks to become the teams first British champion for 60 years.
With only eight drivers nailed down to contracts in 2025, there could be widespread change on the grid in 12 months time.
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
