Lewis Hamilton may be facing a significant challenge in his new role at Ferrari, according to prominent Formula 1 commentator Ted Kravitz. The seven-time world champion is set to make his debut for Scuderia Ferrari at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix later this month, after making the high-profile switch from Mercedes. The move marks the end of Hamilton’s long tenure at Mercedes, where he spent several years in pursuit of success but ultimately saw his dominance wane in comparison to rising stars like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc, all of whom he will be racing alongside in 2025.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari comes at a crucial time in his career. At 40 years old, he has expressed a deep desire to rediscover his passion for racing and to challenge at the top level once again. His optimism about his future at Ferrari is palpable, and he is keen to contribute to the team’s long-term success. However, while Hamilton brings an abundance of experience to the table, his new teammate, Leclerc, is no slouch. The 27-year-old Monegasque driver has been with Ferrari since 2019 and has proven himself to be a formidable talent on the Formula 1 grid. Leclerc has formed part of Ferrari’s strong driver pairing alongside Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz, and his performances have made him a fan favorite and a highly regarded talent within the team.
Yet, despite Leclerc’s impressive driving pedigree, he has yet to mount a serious challenge for the Formula 1 drivers’ championship. This remains a key point of speculation, as many have questioned whether Leclerc can push for a title with the same intensity as some of his rivals, particularly now that Hamilton is entering the fold. There are mixed opinions on how the two drivers will interact within the Ferrari team and whether Leclerc’s youthful talent can overcome the wealth of experience Hamilton brings. The situation has raised questions about how Leclerc will adapt to having such an accomplished teammate by his side, and whether Hamilton’s arrival will motivate him to elevate his own performances.
In an analysis of the situation, Kravitz offered his insight on the potential challenges that Leclerc might face in the coming season. While acknowledging Leclerc’s obvious talent, Kravitz highlighted the unique challenges Hamilton faces as he adapts to the Ferrari car. The seven-time world champion has been open about the fact that he is still learning the nuances of the Ferrari machine, particularly in terms of its various settings and adjustments. According to Hamilton, he is still getting accustomed to the finer details of how to make the most of the car’s settings, such as adjusting brake balance or modifying the differential.
These technical aspects of the car are second nature to Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari for several years and has a deep understanding of how to extract performance from the car. Kravitz suggested that this could give Leclerc an initial advantage over Hamilton in terms of car familiarity and setup. However, he also cautioned that Hamilton’s experience and racecraft should not be underestimated, particularly by Leclerc. “Lewis is at his best on a Sunday,” Kravitz remarked, referring to Hamilton’s ability to perform during race day, often showcasing an ability to deliver in critical moments. This, he believes, is an area where Hamilton could potentially have an edge over Leclerc, despite the latter’s advantage when it comes to car knowledge.
Kravitz further emphasized that Leclerc should be wary of underestimating Hamilton’s racecraft. “He knows not to underestimate Hamilton,” Kravitz said, highlighting the importance of Hamilton’s tactical approach to races. While Leclerc may have a better understanding of the Ferrari car at present, Hamilton’s skill in race strategy and his history of adapting quickly to new situations could be an unpredictable factor. For Leclerc, the arrival of Hamilton could prove to be both a motivating challenge and an intimidating one. As the 2025 season approaches, Leclerc will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how his new teammate performs and how their partnership will unfold.
In conclusion, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has added a new layer of intrigue to the Formula 1 season. While Leclerc has a head start in terms of experience with the team’s car, Hamilton’s wealth of racing experience and strategic expertise make him a formidable opponent. As both drivers adjust to the demands of their team and the challenges of competing for titles, the dynamic between them will undoubtedly be one of the key storylines of the upcoming season. Whether Hamilton can find his groove at Ferrari and challenge for another championship, or whether Leclerc can step up to the plate and prove his title-winning potential, remains to be seen.
