Lewis Hamilton, one of the most iconic figures in Formula 1, is preparing for what could be the most challenging season of his career in 2025. At 40 years old, Hamilton has already experienced remarkable success, starting his F1 journey at just 22 when he joined McLaren in 2007. In his very first race, he earned a podium finish, securing P3 behind teammate Fernando Alonso in P2. His rise was rapid, and he has since amassed seven world championships, cementing his place as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history.
However, recent years have not been without their difficulties. The controversial 2021 season finale, which ended in dramatic fashion, left a mark on his career, and Hamilton’s performance in the 2024 season has raised questions. While he remained with Mercedes for over a decade, 2024 saw a major shift in the sport. In a shocking move, Hamilton announced he would be leaving Mercedes, his home for 12 years, and joining Ferrari for the upcoming season. This bold move has sent shockwaves through the F1 world, and it’s set to test Hamilton like never before.
Hamilton’s decision to switch teams and join Ferrari will bring a new set of challenges. The first and most immediate is his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, is widely considered one of the most talented drivers in the sport. Now, the two drivers will form what some consider the strongest pairing F1 has ever seen. Hamilton himself has commented that the duo offers the “best combination of speed and experience,” which could be crucial for Ferrari’s fight in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. However, while the pairing has the potential to bring success, it will undoubtedly create fierce competition within the team, something that Hamilton will need to navigate carefully.
Leclerc, a 27-year-old Monegasque driver, has been Ferrari’s golden boy for several years. Having joined Ferrari’s academy in 2016, Leclerc quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first academy driver to race for the team in 2019. His familiarity with Ferrari’s inner workings, his fluency in Italian, and his comfort within the team give him a significant advantage. As Hamilton himself acknowledged, Leclerc has a wealth of experience in Maranello, which will make him a formidable opponent.
The pairing of Hamilton and Leclerc is unique, as both drivers are known for their aggressive driving styles, particularly their approach to the corners. In fact, Leclerc has admitted that he was surprised by how similar their driving styles are, with both drivers enjoying pushing hard, especially when entering corners. This similarity could bring an interesting dynamic to their relationship, as it might lead to closer competition on track, but it could also foster collaboration off the track in terms of setup and car development.
One of the biggest challenges Hamilton will face in 2025 is overcoming Leclerc’s consistency. While Hamilton has had a few struggles, particularly with qualifying, Leclerc has been refining his skills over the past few seasons. Going into his eighth season in F1, Leclerc has become more consistent and has shown great improvement in his qualifying performance, a crucial part of securing good positions for the races. Hamilton has praised Leclerc’s talent, describing him as “massively talented,” and acknowledging that Leclerc’s experience within the Ferrari team makes him a formidable teammate.
However, despite these challenges, Hamilton seems reinvigorated by the move to Ferrari. He has repeatedly expressed his excitement about joining the iconic team, and this enthusiasm could serve as the motivation he needs to push through the inevitable struggles that come with such a dramatic career shift. But to be competitive for the world championship, Hamilton will first need to outperform Leclerc, who is seen as the future of Ferrari.
The management of both drivers’ expectations will also be a critical factor in the season ahead. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, will need to balance the ambitions of both Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, and Leclerc, the team’s long-standing star. This is a delicate issue that has caused tension in the past at other teams. For example, McLaren faced criticism in previous seasons for not prioritizing one driver, resulting in difficulties when both drivers were pushing for the title. How Ferrari handles this dynamic could be the key to their success or failure in 2025.
In summary, Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari presents a fresh set of challenges, with fierce competition from his teammate, Charles Leclerc, and the need to adapt to a new team environment. However, Hamilton’s experience, combined with his renewed motivation, could see him rise to the occasion. The coming season will undoubtedly be one of the most difficult and defining chapters of his illustrious F1 career.
