Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are rapidly rising as probably the most formidable and thrilling driver pairings in Components 1 for the 2025 season.
The seven-time World Champion, having waited practically a yr to affix Ferrari, is now formally a part of F1’s most profitable staff. His impression has been swift and spectacular, as he’s already made strides to combine into the Maranello squad. One notable step Hamilton has taken is studying Italian, a gesture that highlights his dedication and dedication to Ferrari. This contrasts with Michael Schumacher, who prevented studying the language throughout his time with the staff. Ferrari staff principal Frederic Vasseur has expressed that Hamilton has introduced an amazing quantity of enthusiasm to the staff all through the winter months, revitalizing the ambiance at Maranello.
At 40 years previous, Hamilton is extra motivated than ever to make his Ferrari tenure successful, notably after ending decrease than anticipated within the 2024 season. Nevertheless, the duty can be difficult, as he faces Charles Leclerc, who’s already deeply entrenched throughout the staff and has developed a robust reference to Ferrari’s engineering and tradition.
Ferrari’s administration has expressed their need for Hamilton to be the staff’s primary driver in 2025, setting the stage for an exhilarating and aggressive season between the 2 drivers. Whereas this inner rivalry might elevate issues of rigidity just like the dynamics Hamilton confronted with Fernando Alonso and Nico Rosberg prior to now, there may be presently a harmonious ambiance between the 2 drivers.
An instance of this camaraderie was not too long ago demonstrated when Hamilton made a considerate gesture towards Leclerc, one thing that Ferrari’s staff boss, Frederic Vasseur, is bound to understand.
Throughout a take a look at session at Ferrari’s non-public Fiorano circuit, Hamilton confirmed his assist for Leclerc in an surprising means. Regardless of not being scheduled to drive till later within the day, the British driver selected to forgo sleep to maintain Charles Leclerc firm earlier than his morning run within the SF-25. Charles Leclerc had solely had two and a half hours of sleep earlier than taking the automotive out for the primary time, whereas Hamilton was resulting from take over within the afternoon. In a uncommon transfer, the Briton determined to remain up along with his teammate, providing ethical assist earlier than Charles Leclerc’s take a look at. This considerate gesture is more likely to impress the French supervisor, who values teamwork and collaboration.
The 2 drivers’ cooperation within the early phases of their partnership is a optimistic signal for Ferrari as they head right into a extremely aggressive 2025 season. Their unity, mixed with the vitality Lewis Hamilton brings to the Maranello staff, bodes properly for Ferrari’s championship aspirations within the coming yr.
Lewis Hamilton described the state of affairs as being “loopy.” He talked about that they’d landed simply earlier than 4am, and that the Monegasque driver was the primary to drive. Nevertheless, Hamilton determined to remain awake, saying he needed to make sure that Charles Leclerc wasn’t the one one coping with the shortage of sleep.
It’s really thrilling to witness such a robust show of teamwork and professionalism from Lewis Hamilton proper out of the gate. Identified for having wonderful relationships with previous teammates like Valtteri Bottas and George Russell, Hamilton appears wanting to develop an identical rapport along with his new Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc.
Throughout Hamilton’s first SF-25 take a look at, very like his preliminary outing with Ferrari in January, the Fiorano circuit was full of 1000’s of followers, all wanting to witness the seven-time world champion in motion. In gratitude, Hamilton took to social media, posting “Grazie Tifosi” as a thanks to Ferrari’s passionate supporters.
Throughout the take a look at, Hamilton’s lap instances have been 0.8 seconds slower than Leclerc’s, a niche he will certainly purpose to shut earlier than the season opener in Melbourne. Whereas this distinction could elevate questions, it’s necessary to notice that Ferrari could have requested Hamilton to not push the automotive too laborious following an incident the place Leclerc stopped on observe throughout his session.
The Monegasque’s efficiency at Fiorano was outstanding, as he got here very near breaking the observe report set by Michael Schumacher—an unimaginable achievement that showcases his ability. The 27-year-old driver will look to hold this momentum into the official pre-season testing in Bahrain and the Australian Grand Prix in March, the place he hopes to construct on this spectacular begin.
Nevertheless, Charles Leclerc will face stiff competitors from Hamilton, who’s energized and extra decided than ever as he targets an eighth world championship. The 40-year-old British driver is absolutely centered on securing one other title with Ferrari, and the problem forward will certainly be an thrilling one.
F1 legend Nigel Mansell has even expressed hope that Hamilton can take victory in Melbourne, calling it a “dream come true” second. Having already secured a podium end on his debut on the Australian Grand Prix in 2007, Hamilton will undoubtedly be aiming to repeat, and even enhance on, that success as he prepares for the 2025 season. The stage is about for an enthralling championship battle, with Hamilton’s drive and dedication making him a severe contender.