Charles Leclerc pinpoints what has made Lewis Hamilton so successful after watching him at Ferrari

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Charles Leclerc has pointed out that it’s Lewis Hamilton’s approach, rather than his driving style, that has set him apart throughout his career. The two drivers have now been teammates at Ferrari for over a year.

Leclerc isn’t facing the version of Hamilton that dominated F1 in previous years. Now 40, Hamilton entered their partnership last year, when Leclerc delivered all seven of Ferrari’s podiums and accounted for more than 60% of their points.

Even so, Leclerc has used the experience to pick up insights from the most successful driver in F1 history. This season, Hamilton has closed the gap and looks more competitive at the start of 2026.

Charles Leclerc ‘analysed every single thing’ about Lewis Hamilton

Speaking to Sky Sports at the Miami Grand Prix, Leclerc said Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari presented a big learning opportunity. He has paid close attention to every detail of how the seven-time champion operates, both on and off the track.

Leclerc also mentioned that while Hamilton’s driving data is useful in certain situations, it’s his preparation away from the cockpit that stands out even more.

Max Verstappen highlighted this last year in Miami, noting how often Hamilton is first to arrive at the circuit and among the last to leave.

“Since the day Lewis arrived in the team, for me it was a huge opportunity to learn from him, so I analysed every single thing he does as a preparation, all the way to when he jumps into the car,” Leclerc said.

“I would say with driving we’ve got our own strengths. Sometimes I will look at him on a particular corner but that’s more specific track-to-track.

“I think what made him have all his success in the past is more about his approach than just pure driving skills.”