What Lewis Hamilton has asked of Charles Leclerc ahead of Ferrari move

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be Ferrari team-mates next year

Charles Leclerc revealed questions from Lewis Hamilton about the state of the Ferrari team ahead of his move to Italy next season.

Hamilton confirmed the bombshell news that he is quitting Mercedes ahead of the current season. At the age of 40, he will begin a new chapter of his extraordinary career racing for Ferrari alongside Leclerc, who signed a new contract in January.

The Monegasque was asked about the conversations he has been having with Hamilton ahead of their partnership and confirmed that they have spoken about the Italian team. But most of their discussions, he said, have been on topics away from Formula 1 altogether.

Leclerc said: "I think it is mixed. Maybe a little bit about the way it is now, with Ferrari and where we are at. But this is a very little part of our discussions. He is still 100 percent focused on his season, this season, with Mercedes.

"So we cannot exchange about everything yet, of course. But just in preparation of next year, maybe of our common passions - design, fashion in general. But then 80 or 90 percent of what we speak about is just private stuff, how life is going, music."

It remains to be seen how that partnership will play out. Leclerc has been with Ferrari for several seasons now and has committed to up to five more by signing that new deal. Plus, the fact he has been retained over Carlos Sainz shows the Italians continue to build their future around him.

Hamilton's age means he is not a long-term option for Ferrari, but his seven F1 titles brings a certain prestige. And it seems unlikely the Briton will be happy to play second-fiddle to Leclerc, who also won't want to spend the next couple of season's living in his partner's shadow.

Still, the 26-year-old says he cannot wait for the new era to begin. Leclerc said: "I am really looking forward to it. Lewis is the most successful driver in F1 history. For me to be able to drive the same car as Lewis is, firstly, a huge opportunity to learn from the best ever, as well as a huge motivation to show what I'm capable of.

"I'm excited for this new challenge. We have a great relationship, as well. I have so much respect for Lewis and for everything he has achieved. It will definitely be a big moment in my career to be against Lewis, working together to bring Ferrari back on top.

"It will be incredible to see where I am, compared to Lewis. We all have our specialities, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. In the case of Lewis, there are few weaknesses. But I can definitely learn from his strengths. It will be super interesting."