How Hamilton joining Ferrari will undoubtedly shape Charles leclerc…read more
Charles Leclerc’s future at Ferrari is now uncertain following the team’s decision to sign seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. While Leclerc has been Ferrari’s lead driver and primary title contender, the arrival of Hamilton could change the dynamic within the team, putting Leclerc’s position at risk not only within Ferrari but potentially in Formula 1 as a whole.
Economically, Hamilton’s signing brings significant financial benefits to Ferrari, including increased revenue from sponsorships and commercial deals linked to his brand. Additionally, the salary gap between Hamilton and Leclerc is likely to be substantial, which could shift the power dynamics within the team. On the sporting side, there is speculation that Ferrari might make Hamilton their #1 driver, especially given his status as a multiple world champion and his proven ability to win races consistently.
Leclerc has additional reasons to be concerned. Ferrari’s new Technical Director, Loic Serra, joined the team from Mercedes, where he worked closely with Hamilton. Serra’s influence at Ferrari is expected to be substantial, especially with his focus on improving car performance and handling. The 2025 Ferrari car, known as project 677, is already undergoing significant changes under Serra’s leadership. Reports suggest that the car will adopt a new approach, with changes such as a reworked cockpit position and a switch to a front pull rod suspension, similar to McLaren and Red Bull’s setup. Serra’s expertise in tire management, honed during his time at Mercedes, is also expected to play a crucial role in adapting Ferrari’s car to the 2025 Pirelli tires, enhancing performance across various track conditions.
Though Leclerc may have initially believed the car would align with his driving style, the changes brought by Serra could better suit Hamilton, particularly given his historical difficulties with the Mercedes cars of the current era. Despite the adjustment required for Hamilton to adapt to Ferrari’s procedures and engine, the car might suit him better than the past few Mercedes models, which he and Serra both criticized as flawed.
Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has a long history with Hamilton, dating back to their time together in the early 2000s when they won titles in GP2 and Formula 3 Euroseries. Vasseur has long been aware of Hamilton’s aspirations to drive for Ferrari, and now that those dreams are coming true, the team is likely positioning itself to achieve great things in 2025. Ferrari has invested heavily in new technology and concepts, setting the stage for what could be a highly competitive season.
Leclerc, however, must now prove his worth. His time at Ferrari has been marked by inconsistency, with notable mistakes and underwhelming performances, which might have prompted Ferrari’s pursuit of Hamilton. Leclerc has struggled to consistently outperform his teammate Carlos Sainz, even losing to him in their first season together. This added pressure could force Leclerc to step up his game, as he faces a direct challenge from one of the sport’s most successful drivers. If he can rise to the occasion, he may secure his place as Ferrari’s lead driver. However, if he falters under the weight of this competition, his future at Ferrari could be uncertain.
