Ferrari’s Piero Ferrari Predicts Positive Rivalry Between Hamilton and…. read more
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, all eyes are on Ferrari’s new driver lineup featuring seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton and long-time Scuderia driver Charles Leclerc. With Hamilton making a high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, speculation has been rife about the team dynamics between him and Leclerc. However, Ferrari’s vice chairman, Piero Ferrari, has predicted that this intra-team rivalry will be beneficial for both drivers.
A Clash of Generations
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks one of the biggest transfers in F1 history. The 40-year-old British driver brings an unparalleled wealth of experience, while his new teammate, the 26-year-old Charles Leclerc, represents the team’s future. Leclerc has been with Ferrari since 2019, having come through their driver academy, and will now be facing the challenge of competing against one of the sport’s greatest champions.
Speaking to Autosprint, Piero Ferrari compared their rivalry to the generational battles seen in other sports, such as tennis. He referenced young tennis star Jannik Sinner going up against more experienced players, highlighting how competition between youth and experience can lead to improvement on both sides.
“In Charles’ case, there is also the generational discourse we are witnessing in tennis with Sinner and other youngsters: the freshness of the young against the experience and solidity of those who are many years older,” Ferrari said. “I am sure that the rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc will benefit both of them.”
Ferrari’s Bold Move
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari came at the expense of Carlos Sainz, who was released despite his strong performances, including multiple race wins for the team. The decision to replace Sainz with Hamilton has been widely debated, but Ferrari believes Hamilton’s experience will be invaluable in their pursuit of a long-awaited championship title.
Ferrari has not won a Constructors’ or Drivers’ Championship since 2008, and the team hopes Hamilton’s presence will help end that drought. Explaining what Hamilton brings to the team, Piero Ferrari emphasized his racecraft and ability to handle pressure.
“Seven world titles mean the knowledge to read racing,” Ferrari stated. “Lewis brings enormous experience to Ferrari, he is a professional at the highest level, he knows how to win races, he has the right pressure to try.”
Hamilton’s Redemption Mission
Hamilton joins Ferrari after a difficult final season with Mercedes, where he struggled in qualifying against teammate George Russell. While Hamilton secured wins at Silverstone and Spa, Russell outqualified him in 19 out of 24 races and finished ahead in the points standings, scoring 245 points to Hamilton’s 223.
Despite these setbacks and turning 40 before his Ferrari debut, Hamilton remains a formidable competitor. Piero Ferrari dismissed any concerns regarding his age, highlighting his fitness and motivation.
“True, but he’s intact, he’s fit both physically and mentally. I don’t see age as a problem at all,” Ferrari explained. “He accepted the challenge with enormous enthusiasm, so is he confident of his chances?”
The Road Ahead
With the 2025 season fast approaching, Ferrari is preparing to unveil their new car, the SF-25, on February 19 at their Fiorano test track. Pre-season testing follows in Bahrain from February 26-28, before the season kicks off in Australia on March 16.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has filled Hamilton’s vacant seat with 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli, a rising star in the sport, who will partner Russell.
As Hamilton begins this new chapter with Ferrari, his battle with Leclerc is set to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming season. Whether this partnership leads Ferrari to championship glory remains to be seen, but Piero Ferrari is confident that both drivers will push each other to new heights.
