Leclerc reveals 'dream' as Hamilton Ferrari 'story' begins

Charles Leclerc appreciates the latest chapter in the Ferrari "story" that comes with the arrival of Lewis Hamilton who he hopes will help him play his part in the Scuderia saga by becoming a champion himself.

Far from being wary of Hamilton as his team-mate for at least the next two years, Leclerc is welcoming of the 40-year-old, believing he will inspire Ferrari as it seeks to end its 17-year-long title drought.

Hamilton started work with the team at the beginning of this month and faces an intense two-month build-up of integration and becoming accustomed to Ferrari's ways of working ahead of the opening grand prix to the new season in Australia in mid-March.  

Leclerc is confident Hamilton "will bring a lot of motivation". Speaking to RacingNews365 at the end of last season, he added: "Everybody's already super motivated.

"But when you have a seven-time champion joining the team and, obviously, this is the biggest move of the last many, many, many, many years, that boosts the team.

"Everybody's proud of being part of that story, and we all want to make that story as successful as possible, and for me, the most beneficial to Ferrari."

Naturally highlighting his personal ambitions, Leclerc said: "Then, of course, there's me as well.

"I want this story to be super good and successful. However, I also want to be part of that story and add my bit to it, having the dream in my mind of being a Formula 1 world champion, so it's going to be super interesting.

"I've always said that I'm super excited because, on the one hand, I'm going to learn from one of the best, and on the other, it's also a great opportunity for me to be able to show what I can do against such an incredible driver.

"I'm always trying to be on top of my game, but, with Lewis, it motivates me a lot as well."

Hamilton's experience stretches back to 2007 when he debuted with McLaren, coming agonisingly close to winning his first title that year before finally succeeding the following campaign.

Lean years followed with the team before Hamilton switched to Mercedes, going on to win an additional six championships and becoming one of the most storied drivers in the history of the sport.

"With how much success Lewis has had, it's going to be incredibly interesting to hear him and see how he used to work with other very successful teams," said Leclerc.

"Whether he was with Mercedes and McLaren before, he won championships with both. For sure, it will pull us upward, help us learn and see different perspectives in our ways of working."

Whilst there might be a 13-year difference between the drivers, aside from their obvious love of motorsport, Leclerc at least feels he will be able to bond with Hamilton given their mutual love of music.

Leclerc is a self-taught pianist who composes his own music, whilst Hamilton has written and recorded songs. The Monégasque insists, however, that is not the only commonality between them.

"That [music] helps a lot," said Leclerc. "But the process of knowing each other better started a long time ago, since the beginning [of last year].

"Since I've known he was coming to Ferrari, we've been able to share more of what we do outside racing. We have shared a lot of our common interests, whether it's music, fashion, travel.

"We already have a really good relationship that I'm sure will evolve once we are more together and we spend more time together."

Leclerc also has no doubt Hamilton will be a hit with the Tifosi. It has not always been the easiest of relationships, as the Briton has been booed in the past when he has stood on the podium at Monza.

But as a fully-fledged Ferrari driver now, Leclerc also that relationship developing.

"Every time I've been to Maranello, he has been a lot more in the voice of the Tifosi," said Leclerc. "They seem to be very excited.

"I think they are going to welcome him in the best possible way."