Eddie Jordan doubts Lewis Hamilton “can match” Charles Leclerc in…..read more
Eddie Jordan has expressed skepticism about Lewis Hamilton’s ability to match Charles Leclerc’s performance in qualifying at Ferrari, admitting he would be “surprised” if the British driver could outperform the Monegasque in that crucial area. Hamilton is set to make a significant switch to Ferrari for the 2024 season, which follows what many have described as one of the most challenging years of his Formula 1 career, particularly in terms of qualifying.
2024 was a particularly tough season for Hamilton, with George Russell, his teammate at Mercedes, often getting the better of him on Saturdays. Hamilton, despite being the most successful driver in qualifying history with 103 pole positions, struggled to extract the same level of one-lap performance that had been his hallmark in earlier years. This decline in qualifying form has led to growing questions about whether Hamilton can still compete at his peak in this particular aspect of racing.
Now, as he prepares to join Ferrari, Hamilton will be up against one of the grid’s best qualifiers, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc has built a reputation as an exceptional one-lap performer, often extracting the maximum from the car during qualifying. Jordan, the former team owner and F1 pundit, made it clear in an interview with talkSPORT that he believes Hamilton will face an uphill battle in this area.
Jordan acknowledged Leclerc’s talent, saying, “Charles Leclerc is no stooge,” emphasizing that the Ferrari driver’s prowess in qualifying makes him a formidable opponent. He further stated that he would be “surprised” if Hamilton could match Leclerc’s speed on Saturdays, recognizing the difficulty Hamilton will face in this head-to-head battle.
However, Jordan was not entirely dismissive of Hamilton’s potential, noting that Lewis remains a “dark horse” in the sport. His experience, skill, and ability to adapt could still prove invaluable in the highly competitive environment at Ferrari. Jordan suggested that while he doubted Hamilton’s ability to beat Leclerc in qualifying, it’s impossible to rule out the possibility entirely. He added, “Who knows? Lewis is a very dark horse,” signaling that Hamilton’s talents should never be underestimated.
Jordan was also confident that Ferrari would give Hamilton a fair opportunity to prove himself against Leclerc. He pointed out that the Scuderia has invested heavily in securing Hamilton’s services, implying that the team would not hinder his chances. Jordan stressed that Ferrari’s commitment to Hamilton would ensure he gets a fair shot at performing to the best of his abilities, with no unfair tactics involved.
In conclusion, while Eddie Jordan is cautious about Hamilton’s chances in qualifying, particularly against a skilled driver like Leclerc, he believes that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will be handled fairly, with the team giving him every opportunity to succeed. The 2024 season promises to be an intriguing one as Hamilton attempts to reclaim his place at the top of the sport, especially when it comes to qualifying against one of the best in the business.
