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."
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'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."
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