The previous generation of Formula 1 has contributed immensely to the rise of the sport. From Lewis Hamilton to Fernando Alonso, from Kimi Raikkonen to Sebastian Vettel, they have been a huge inspiration for the current drivers to follow their passion. In a very old video of Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc, they talk about one such moment.
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Charles Leclerc is currently driving for Ferrari, whereas Pierre Gasly just recently signed for Alpine Racing. Both have been bright prospects in F1 who are starting to hit their peak. Gasly has also driven for Red Bull alongside now double-world champion Max Verstappen.
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On the other hand, Leclerc did something with Ferrari that even the great Michael Schumacher did not get. He signed the longest contract with the Maranello. Leclerc has also won 9 pole positions this season so far. However, he hasn’t been able to capitalize on them winning only 3 of those races.
Pierre and Charles have known each other from their karting days. The French and the Monegasque drivers have been good friends growing up. In an old interview with the two budding racers, their excitement was evident as they witnessed Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton pass through them.
Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc could not believe the sight they had just witnessed. It was like a fanboy moment for the two kids back then. Gasly said, “We saw Kimi [Raikkonen] and Lewis [Hamilton] so we’re just talking and hoping that one day maybe we could be like them. But yeah, just wondering.”
Gasly and Leclerc made a core memory they will never forget. Perhaps that played a big reason for the two friends to pursue and make it in F1.
Lewis Hamilton believes Charles Leclerc is a very sensitive driver
It was an epic battle between Leclerc, Hamilton, and Sergio Perez in the Silverstone GP. The trio fought valiantly for the second position in the race. Hamilton also praised Leclerc and took a subtle dig at Max Verstappen with his words after the race.
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Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 3, 2022 Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the race REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
The Mercedes superstar called Leclerc a more sensitive driver than Max Verstappen, referring to their last year’s Silverstone crash.
After the race, Lewis said, “Charles did a great job. What a great battle, very sensitive driver, clearly a lot different from what I experienced last year. Copse for example, the two of us went through no problem.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton: Ranking His F1 World Titles From 2008 to 2020
Lewis and Kimi have inspired countless people around the world. The two certainly left an impression on Pierre Gasly and Charles Leclerc during their early racing years. How would you react if you saw Lewis and Kimi in front of you?