Lewis Hamilton is making ready to bid farewell to Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the top of a exceptional 12-year journey with the Silver Arrows.
Scuderia Ferrari is eagerly awaiting the British driver’s arrival, counting down the times till he dons their iconic pink swimsuit and takes to the observe as a part of their staff for the 2025 System 1 season. Regardless of being 40 years previous when he competes in his first race for the Scuderia, Lewis Hamilton stays assured in his skill to chase an elusive eighth world championship title. His huge expertise and relentless drive will undoubtedly make him a key contender subsequent season.
Abu Dhabi holds a fancy historical past for Hamilton, because it has been the positioning of each triumphs and heartbreak. Whereas he has claimed 5 victories on the Yas Marina Circuit, the venue has additionally witnessed among the most difficult moments of his profession, together with the dramatic conclusion to the 2021 season the place Max Verstappen claimed the title, and the tense 2016 finale the place Nico Rosberg edged him out to win the championship earlier than retiring. As Hamilton gears up for his Ferrari debut in 2025, he’ll be aiming to create new constructive recollections on this observe whereas abandoning the emotional scars of the previous.
Nonetheless, earlier than he can totally deal with his future with Ferrari, Hamilton should tackle some persistent points. His qualifying performances have raised issues, significantly as he continues to grapple with the nuances of the present era of ground-effect vehicles. Adapting to a brand new surroundings and equipment at Ferrari will current its personal set of challenges, particularly when paired with a powerful teammate like Charles Leclerc.
F1 commentator Alex Jacques, talking on the F1 Nation Podcast, highlighted a possible benefit Ferrari would possibly acquire from the struggles of the seven-time System 1 world champion. The award-winning sports activities commentator and broadcaster prompt that Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation curve may present an surprising enhance to the staff dynamic, particularly for Charles Leclerc, as they navigate the 2025 System 1 season collectively. Alex Jacques was requested whether or not Ferrari is perhaps apprehensive in regards to the indicators of Lewis Hamilton’s difficulties at Mercedes and supplied an intriguing perspective on the state of affairs: “No, for a few causes. You’re getting a regulation reset in 2026. So if he simply doesn’t get on with such a automobile, there’s a model new reg set and you may simply run and run and run and simply get him within the simulator and discover a flip round.” – he defined
“Max Verstappen was requested about this early within the week. You by no means lose the core expertise to win seven titles. So, age would possibly imply a little bit of depreciation, however I don’t assume they’ll be involved and the opposite factor is that if he takes a yr to stand up to hurry. One of many key issues that’s going to determine the driving force’s title subsequent yr is how they cut up the factors. If Ferrari cut up the factors 50-50 and McLaren cut up the factors 60-40 both approach, George Russell’s obtained a rookie teammate subsequent yr, we don’t know the way Antonelli goes to do however Max Verstappen will likely be taking the lion’s share of factors at Crimson Bull. So, irrespective of how fast that automobile is Max Verstappen will likely be taking the lion’s share of it. So, if Lewis takes a couple of races to stand up to hurry it form of has an upside for Ferrari if Charlotte Leclerc can ship.” – added the System 1 lead commentator for Channel 4 and F1TV and the voice of all F1 digital output.
Lewis Hamilton holds the title of essentially the most profitable driver within the historical past of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, boasting extra wins on the Yas Marina Circuit than some other competitor. Nonetheless, as the ultimate race of the 2024 season approaches, his prospects of including one other victory to his report seem slim.
Max Verstappen, alternatively, has the chance to tie Hamilton’s win tally in Abu Dhabi if he secures a fourth consecutive victory within the UAE desert. But, even Crimson Bull faces a troublesome problem, as each McLaren and Ferrari appear to have an edge over the reigning champions heading into the weekend.
For Charles Leclerc, this race represents extra than simply private pleasure—it’s a pivotal second in Ferrari’s marketing campaign to clinch their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008. To attain this, Charles Leclerc should assist the Scuderia overturn a frightening 21-point hole to McLaren. The duty is made much more difficult by the robust type of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who’ve constantly delivered for McLaren all through the season.
The Monegasque driver additionally has a further incentive: making a strong assertion because the chief of Ferrari earlier than Lewis Hamilton joins the staff for 2025. Guiding Ferrari to a long-awaited title would solidify Leclerc’s place as a key determine within the staff’s resurgence and set the tone for what guarantees to be an intense partnership with the seven-time world champion.
Subsequent System 1 season will undoubtedly be an exhilarating showdown between Charles Leclerc and the British driver, each keen to say themselves as Ferrari’s prime driver. For Lewis Hamilton, a powerful debut with the Scuderia will likely be essential, as expectations at Maranello are notoriously excessive. With the staff and followers alike demanding success, Hamilton is aware of he can not afford a gradual begin in what could possibly be his ultimate push for an eighth world title.
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