Leclerc Defends Hamilton's Motivation Amid Difficult First Ferrari Season
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has dismissed rumors that Lewis Hamilton lost motivation during a tough 2025 season, attributing the seven-time champion's struggles to a difficult car. Leclerc remains optimistic about a team turnaround for 2026.
Charles Leclerc has publicly defended teammate Lewis Hamilton against speculation of waning motivation, following a challenging 2025 season for both Ferrari drivers. The seven-time world champion endured a disappointing first year with the Scuderia, finishing behind Leclerc in the standings and failing to secure a single podium finish, which led to visible frustration and public questions about his drive.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's high-profile move to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in recent F1 history, carrying immense expectations. His struggle to adapt and perform at his usual level raises significant questions about Ferrari's current competitive state and the team's ability to provide a championship-winning car for its star drivers. How Hamilton rebounds from this difficult season will be a major narrative for 2026.
The details:
- Leclerc explicitly countered rumors about Hamilton's motivation, stating, "I think Lewis was always extremely motivated."
- He acknowledged the season's end was particularly tough for Hamilton but contextualized it as a team-wide issue: "It was a hard end to the season for Lewis, but also for the team as a whole."
- The Monegasque driver pointed to the car's development as a key factor, noting it became "more and more difficult to drive," which aligns with Hamilton's visible struggles to find a consistent setup.
- For Leclerc, 2025 was also a trying season. After coming close to the Constructors' title in 2024, Ferrari entered as a championship favorite but failed to meet those elevated expectations.
What's next:
Leclerc expressed confidence in a team recovery for the 2026 season, a crucial year that will also see the introduction of new technical regulations. All eyes will be on how Ferrari addresses the car's drivability issues and whether the team can build a machine that allows both Hamilton and Leclerc to fight at the front consistently. Hamilton's response to this adversity will be a defining chapter in his legendary career.
summary: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has dismissed rumors that Lewis Hamilton lost motivation during a tough 2025 season, attributing the seven-time champion's struggles to a difficult car. Leclerc remains optimistic about a team turnaround for 2026.