Lewis Hamilton Sparks Ferrari Shock Hope for Charles Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton has offered encouragement to Charles Leclerc as Ferrari approaches the Monaco Grand Prix in 2025. Hamilton pointed out that Leclerc has been “rampant” at Monaco in recent seasons, securing pole positions in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

Last year, Leclerc dominated the weekend and finally broke his so-called “Monaco curse,” taking a decisive victory as the home crowd watched. Hamilton, who is settling into his new role at Ferrari, admits every weekend still feels new, especially experiencing the all-red garage at legendary tracks like Monaco.

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Despite Leclerc’s recent success on the tight streets, Ferrari faces an uphill battle this year. Their SF-25 car has proven fast in many areas but falters in low-speed corners. For a deeper understanding of Monaco’s unique circuit demands, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) provides detailed technical insights.

At Monaco, slow-speed grip is essential for both qualifying and race pace. Leclerc has admitted that this specific weakness could be a major hurdle, making any competitive result a genuine surprise for the team.

He remains hopeful, noting that street circuits have usually suited his style and that motivation is always high coming into his home race. Still, the team knows they’re at a disadvantage based on how the car has performed in similar conditions throughout the 2025 season.

Hamilton’s comments bring some optimism, as he believes Leclerc could spring a shock despite Ferrari’s technical struggles. He recalled watching Ferrari’s past strength in Monaco, even during his debut season in 2007. For historical context on Ferrari’s Monaco performances, Formula 1’s official archive offers a wealth of race data and highlights.

Hamilton has only now begun to experience what it’s like to be inside the Ferrari garage at such an iconic venue. The seven-time champion sees potential for breakthroughs, crediting Leclerc’s determination and previous showings as important factors.

Ferrari enters the Monaco weekend sitting fourth in the championship, with 114 points accumulated by Leclerc and Hamilton. This trails McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull, with McLaren leading on 279 points.

In the driver standings, Leclerc holds fifth place with 61 points, just ahead of Hamilton in sixth on 53. The team faces intense competition from rivals who have made strides in both qualifying and race performance across the first half of the 2025 season. For a broader look at the championship standings, the FIA’s official rankings provide up-to-date statistics.

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Leclerc’s approach is cautious but positive. He knows the circuit is unforgiving and rewards precision, especially during the single all-important qualifying lap.

He claims it would be a big accomplishment if Ferrari exceeds expectations given their current limitations. As always, the atmosphere in Monaco is special for Leclerc, motivating him to push for the best possible outcome even if the numbers suggest a tough challenge ahead.

The Monaco Grand Prix is set for May 25, with practice and qualifying sessions building excitement over the weekend. Both fans and teams will be looking for surprises on the narrow street circuit, where a single mistake can end a driver’s chances. For those interested in the history and evolution of the Monaco Grand Prix, Wikipedia’s comprehensive page offers an in-depth overview.

With Leclerc’s homegrown skill and Hamilton’s experience now paired at Ferrari, attention will be on whether the Italian squad can upset the odds in what remains one of the calendar’s most unpredictable events.

As the 2025 Formula 1 season continues, the spotlight remains on Ferrari’s ability to adapt and challenge stronger outfits on circuits like Monaco. Whether Leclerc can repeat his hometown heroics and Hamilton can lend the team’s efforts a new spark will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike.

James William

James William covers the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, from the Rolex 24 at Daytona to sprint-race formats. His reports include prototype performance reviews, GT class battles, and pit-stop strategy insights for endurance-racing fans.