In 2025, Lewis Hamilton made one of the vital extremely anticipated driver transfers in Formulation 1 historical past, swapping Mercedes for Ferrari.
The seven-time world champion has begun his journey with the Scuderia, making his first official go to to the staff’s Maranello manufacturing facility and participating in his inaugural take a look at in Ferrari pink on the Fiorano Circuit on Wednesday.
1000’s of enthusiastic Ferrari supporters gathered early within the morning on the observe, desirous to witness the historic second. Hamilton didn’t disappoint, showcasing his distinctive automobile management regardless of difficult ‘zero-grip’ circumstances.
The climate, nonetheless, dampened Charles Leclerc’s take a look at session, as he ran alongside Hamilton. Hamilton posted a time six seconds sooner than Leclerc, because the Monegasque driver was unable to finish his runs in dry circumstances like his Maranello teammate.
Whatever the time distinction, the take a look at served as priceless preparation for each Ferrari drivers forward of the 2025 Formulation 1 season. Each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could have their eyes set on the world championship, with the Monegasque driver particularly motivated in his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth title.
For Hamilton, a serious increase to his title aspirations could possibly be on the horizon, with Martin Brundle suggesting that Ferrari could have made extra progress over the winter than McLaren. The Scuderia completed simply 14 factors behind McLaren within the Constructors’ Championship in 2024 and can be trying to safe a greater consequence this season.
Nonetheless, coming into the 2025 season, there are lingering issues about Lewis Hamilton’s capability to carry out at Ferrari after a disappointing remaining season with Mercedes.
Regardless of moments of brilliance, Lewis Hamilton ended the 2024 season in a career-low seventh place within the Drivers’ Championship. He struggled to seek out constant efficiency with the W15, notably in qualifying, the place he was eradicated earlier than Q3 six occasions. His teammate George Russell dominated their qualifying battles, profitable 18-6, and outperformed Hamilton 15-9 in races.
This substantial defeat has led to doubts about Hamilton’s capability to compete at Ferrari. F1 commentator Tom Coronel has prompt that Hamilton ought to take into account stepping away if he fails to win the title with the Scuderia.
Dutch driver Mike Hezemans, who beforehand spoke positively about Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari, nonetheless believes it could possibly be mutually useful. Nonetheless, he additionally warned that it could possibly be ‘the tip’ for Lewis Hamilton if he’s constantly outperformed by Charles Leclerc. He talked about that he nonetheless held the identical opinion, stating that Lewis Hamilton had been outperformed by Russell at Mercedes. He added that staying with Mercedes wasn’t actually serving to Hamilton, however transferring to Ferrari might convey him again to aggressive type, particularly through the races.
Nonetheless, he identified that Hamilton’s struggles with qualifying had been a difficulty. He speculated that Ferrari might enhance, which could additionally assist Hamilton in qualifying. But when Hamilton continued to be outperformed by Charles Leclerc, then he would face a major drawback. In that case, he believed it might mark the tip of Lewis Hamilton’s profession.
Will Lewis Hamilton be capable to outpace Charles Leclerc at Ferrari?
At first of their partnership, Hamilton will discover himself at a drawback in comparison with his teammate. Leclerc has been deeply embedded inside Ferrari since becoming a member of their academy in 2016, making him extremely acquainted with the staff’s setup and tradition.
Leclerc is famend as one of many high qualifiers in Formulation 1, and he’ll undoubtedly be a formidable opponent for Hamilton in 2025 and past, particularly given Hamilton’s struggles with qualifying at Mercedes within the earlier yr.
Because of this the British driver, now 40, is targeted on adapting to Ferrari as shortly as doable. His aim is to be absolutely built-in into the staff so he can compete on the entrance from the very first race of the season on the Albert Park circuit in Australia.
The inner rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc can be one of the vital intriguing battles of 2025. Each drivers will intention to outperform each other, with the last word prize being Ferrari’s first drivers’ championship since 2007.
The stress on Lewis Hamilton is already immense, with Ferrari followers anticipating him to ship a championship win. If he can discover his rhythm and Ferrari offers him with a aggressive automobile, the veteran might make historical past by clinching the title in pink.
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