Steiner: Leclerc's youth and hunger give him edge over Hamilton at Ferrari

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner predicts that Charles Leclerc will ultimately outperform new teammate Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari this season, citing the Monegasque driver's younger age and greater hunger for a first world title as decisive advantages. This forecast comes despite Hamilton securing his first podium for the Scuderia with a third-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, drawing him level with Leclerc's season tally.

Why it matters:

The internal battle at Ferrari is one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024 season, pitting the sport's most decorated active driver against its most coveted young talent. The outcome will not only define the team's championship ambitions but also shape the narrative around Hamilton's high-profile move and Leclerc's long-term status as the team's franchise driver.

The details:

• Steiner, speaking on the Red Flags podcast, identified two key factors favoring Leclerc: his relative youth and his unmet ambition for a championship.
• The Age Factor: Steiner noted that while the pairing is very close, "what Charles has got on his side is his age." He suggested the dynamic might be different "if Lewis would be 10 years younger."
• The Hunger Gap: The former principal highlighted the motivational difference, stating, "Lewis is a seven-time world champion. Charles, zero. So he's more hungry, more appetite."
• Hamilton, after his Shanghai podium, made a blunt admission about his early season, suggesting he has had to rebuild his confidence. He emphasized the importance of a strong mental approach, which he believes has been crucial to his performances.

What's next:

The head-to-head battle will be a central focus as the European season begins. Hamilton's proven ability to develop a car and perform under pressure will be tested against Leclerc's raw speed and deep familiarity with the team. If Steiner's assessment is correct, Leclerc establishing a clear upper hand could solidify his position as the team's primary title contender for the foreseeable future.