Leclerc confirms Hamilton conversations - 'We texted each other'

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has revealed he has been in contact with Lewis Hamilton over the Briton's impending move to the Scuderia for next season.

The seven-time World Champion will join from Mercedes at the end of the campaign, replacing Carlos Sainz alongside Leclerc.

Monégasque Leclerc himself signed a contract extension with the Maranello-based outfit just a week before Hamilton's switch was announced but insisted there was no shock with the move.

"This kind of deal is not finalised overnight, it takes time and I was aware of those discussions before signing my deal, so it didn't come as a surprise after signing," Leclerc told media including RacingNews365.

"Lewis is an incredible driver, the most successful in history and with a lot of experience as well which he will bring to the team and obviously to myself, which is a good thing.

"But Carlos has been great and we've got one more year together to try and do the best job possible."

'We texted each other'

The timing of the announcement has provided a rare case of drivers and teams having to race together for a full season whilst knowing the partnerships will be ending at the end of the term.

Yet despite this, Leclerc has confirmed contact with Hamilton, explaining: "We've had discussions with Lewis, especially when everything was announced and official.

"We texted each other of course. He is a great champion with so much success.

"It is always interesting to have a new teammate as you learn different ways of working and driving - even more so when my new teammate is a seven-time World Champion."