Lando Norris Predicts Early Struggles for…read more
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, McLaren driver Lando Norris has shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s transition to Scuderia Ferrari. Norris believes that the seven-time World Champion may face initial struggles as he adapts to his new team after spending 12 years with Mercedes. However, he is confident that Hamilton’s experience and skill will help him overcome any early setbacks.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is one of the most significant changes in the F1 paddock for the 2025 season. Having achieved incredible success with Mercedes, his shift to a new team brings new challenges, including adjusting to Ferrari’s car and operational dynamics. While he remains one of the greatest drivers in the sport, Norris expects that Hamilton will need some time to fully integrate into his new environment.
During the Australian Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton’s first Free Practice session in the Ferrari did not go as smoothly as he might have hoped. The British driver finished 12th, indicating that he is still getting used to the nuances of his new car. This result highlights the difficulties many drivers face when switching teams, even those with Hamilton’s level of experience.
Norris, who set the fastest time in the first practice session at Albert Park, was asked about Hamilton’s performance and the adjustment period he might need. He acknowledged that while Hamilton is undoubtedly talented, adapting to a new team and car setup takes time, particularly after such a long stint with a single team. “I don’t expect that to happen too much, I think Lewis will still take a little time to settle in,” Norris stated.
Despite predicting some early struggles, Norris was quick to emphasize that Hamilton’s vast experience and racing intelligence would allow him to adjust swiftly. He pointed out that even the most experienced drivers require a few races to familiarize themselves with a new car and fully optimize their performance. According to Norris, Hamilton might not be immediately at his peak performance, but he will soon find his rhythm and become a strong competitor.
Hamilton showed signs of improvement as the weekend progressed. While he finished 12th in the first practice session, he climbed to fifth place in the second session, demonstrating that he was already making progress with Ferrari’s setup. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the second practice session, showing the potential pace of the team’s car.
Norris also discussed the overall competitiveness of the upcoming season. He believes that the battle for the 2025 championship will not be limited to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Instead, he expects multiple drivers and teams to be in the mix, including himself, his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, Hamilton, and Leclerc. Additionally, Norris mentioned that Mercedes drivers could also pose a challenge, making the season highly competitive.
McLaren’s strong performance in early practice sessions at Albert Park suggests that they will be a serious contender in the title race. Norris and Piastri have shown significant improvements in recent seasons, and the team appears to be carrying momentum into 2025. With Ferrari also looking strong, Hamilton’s presence adds another layer of excitement to an already intense championship battle.
Ultimately, while Norris predicts that Hamilton may experience a slow start with Ferrari, he firmly believes that the seven-time champion will quickly adapt and become a key competitor. Hamilton’s ability to analyze performance data, communicate effectively with his engineers, and extract the best out of his car will likely enable him to close the gap faster than most drivers in similar situations.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Hamilton’s progress with Ferrari and whether he can mount a serious title challenge. With multiple teams and drivers expected to be in contention, fans can look forward to one of the most competitive seasons in recent Formula 1 history.
