Leclerc reveals ‘reassuring’ element to Hamilton’s Ferrari arrival

Charles Leclerc has stated Lewis Hamilton's decision to sign for Ferrari has reassured him of the team's future.

Hamilton will bring his long-standing partnership with Mercedes to an end at the conclusion of the season and join the Italian squad on a multi-year deal.

Ferrari has been unable to contend for a title in F1 for several years, with its last championship triumph coming in 2008.

However, the arrival of a seven-time world champion in Hamilton has encouraged Leclerc that the squad's future is pointing in the right direction.

“It was reassuring because taking a driver like Lewis Hamilton is obviously a strong signal,” Leclerc told the Italian branch of Motorsport.com. 

“I saw it as a positive choice, starting with the fact that Lewis could facilitate the arrival of very talented people in the team.”

The deal was announced prior to the start of the campaign as Leclerc asserted he had little to do with the situation that unfolded behind the scenes.

“It had been in the air for a while, but until there is an official confirmation you can’t be sure,” he said. 

“I knew there was interest from both sides, and in these cases it is very likely that an agreement will be reached. 

“I didn’t ask to know more, it’s not part of my role, but I must say that everyone has always been very open and sincere with me”.