Ferrari Boss open up “Why the Start of 2025 season will be Crucial for Hamilton and Leclerc at Ferrari due to…Read more
The start of the 2025 Formula 1 season is set to be a pivotal moment for Ferrari, as they unveil their much-anticipated driver pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. This duo has already generated massive excitement within the F1 community, and the prospect of these two highly talented drivers racing together at Ferrari promises to be one of the biggest storylines of the season. Given Ferrari’s strong performance at the end of the 2024 season, both Hamilton and Leclerc could find themselves in contention for the title early on, making the first few races of 2025 especially critical.
Under the leadership of Fred Vasseur, who became Ferrari’s team principal in 2023, the Scuderia has undergone significant operational improvements. The team’s recovery from a mid-season slump in 2024 – particularly after struggling in Barcelona and then recovering at the Italian Grand Prix – demonstrated their better understanding of the current regulations and an ability to adapt. However, Vasseur’s most important move came with the recruitment of Lewis Hamilton, whose relationship with Vasseur dates back to their time together in GP2 in 2006. Hamilton has been vocal about the fact that he would not have joined Ferrari without Vasseur as team principal, highlighting the strong bond between the two.
On the other side of the garage, Charles Leclerc also has a strong rapport with Vasseur, having worked with him during his rookie season at Sauber. This familiarity should help maintain a balanced atmosphere in the team, with Vasseur feeling confident about managing the two drivers. As he told Gazzetta, “Emulation between drivers is a key factor in performance,” suggesting that the healthy rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc could push the team forward. Vasseur added that while there may be moments to manage between teammates, the competition between Charles and Carlos Sainz in 2024 ultimately benefited Ferrari’s performance, and he expects the same dynamic to work with Hamilton and Leclerc.
The relationship between Hamilton and Leclerc has always been respectful, even when they were racing for rival teams. Leclerc has been particularly positive about Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, seeing it as a great opportunity for both himself and the team. However, as is often the case with highly competitive drivers, tensions could arise as the season progresses, particularly if both drivers find themselves in a title battle. While it’s too early to predict how their dynamic will unfold, managing this competition will be a key challenge for Ferrari.
Ferrari’s focus at the start of the 2025 season will likely be on maximizing points from both drivers, given the strength of rivals like McLaren and Red Bull. In the early stages, it will be crucial for Ferrari to optimize race strategies for both Hamilton and Leclerc to ensure they stay at the front. However, as the season progresses and both drivers compete for the championship, the question of a “number 1 driver” will inevitably arise. If Ferrari is in a title fight, they may need to make tough decisions, even if they do not explicitly favor one driver over the other.
Both Hamilton and Leclerc will need to maintain a level playing field, especially in the early races, as a significant points gap could lead to one driver supporting the other in the latter stages of the season. While the development of Ferrari’s SF-25 car remains uncertain, if the car is competitive enough to fight for the title, the interplay between Hamilton and Leclerc will be one of the most intriguing aspects of the 2025 season. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Ferrari and the potential drama between their star drivers.
