Now, in 2025, those dreams have become a reality with the two fearsomely quick drivers set to do battle at Ferrari after Hamilton's unveiling.
Hamilton has seven titles to his name and won two races in an inconsistent Mercedes last year, while Leclerc was victorious three times, including his maiden home win in Monaco.
But the question remains over who will emerge superior come Abu Dhabi in 2025.
Click here to get your hands on the first Ferrari hat featuring Hamilton's iconic driver number 44.
Lewis Hamilton took an emotional win at Silverstone in 2024Charles Leclerc claimed his first Monaco victory
Charles Leclerc is tipped to beat Lewis Hamilton in 2025
The Monegasque ace has been priced at 4/9 (-225) to beat his more experienced teammate, with Hamilton a tempting 7/5 (+140).
Based on last season, when third-placed Leclerc scored 133 more points than Hamilton, in seventh, the Ferrari darling certainly appears to be in pole position to earn bragging rights.
However, Hamilton has rarely been an underdog in his career and may be transported back to 2007 when he began the season as teammate to 2006 champion Fernando Alonso at McLaren.
As an official partner of Ferrari F1 team, the PUMA website now stock the 2025 team kit along with a stylish selection of the Scuderia's merch.