The rivalry between Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton within the 2025 Components 1 campagn is predicted to be one of the crucial compelling narratives of the 12 months. As Hamilton takes on the problem of his new function at Ferrari, the dynamics between him and Leclerc are already drawing consideration.
Hamilton, after settling into his new staff, has participated in a number of pre-season assessments at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters. In the course of the testing classes, Karun Chandhok famous that the seven-time world champion appeared snug within the SF-25, though he didn’t full a full race simulation. Ferrari cited a “telemetry anomaly” that interrupted his deliberate run on the third day of testing. As a substitute, Hamilton targeted on constructing his relationship with engineer Riccardo Adami and adapting to Ferrari’s trackside operations. Regardless of some reviews from Alex Brundle that Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari appeared difficult to drive at occasions, the seven-time champion confirmed aggressive potential as they labored on refining the automotive’s setup.
Because the season unfolds, there might be hypothesis about whether or not Hamilton can surpass Charles Leclerc, given the Monegasque driver’s standing as Ferrari’s established star. Former F1 staff principal Guenther Steiner shared his perspective on why he believes Leclerc may need the higher hand over the Briton in 2025 throughout a dialog on CNN.
Guenther Steiner highlighted that Charles Leclerc’s distinctive one-lap tempo is more likely to be a key benefit of their rivalry. The Ferrari driver’s qualifying performances have typically been excellent, and his blistering velocity in qualifying is predicted to current a problem for Hamilton. In a direct comparability of their performances within the SF-25 at Fiorano, Leclerc posted a lap eight-tenths faster than the previous Mercedes man, regardless of Leclerc attending to drive the automotive first.
The previous Haas staff boss is assured that the Monegasque’s qualifying power, mixed together with his means to be taught from the info and apply that information to race day, will play an important function in his potential to beat Hamilton over the course of the season. Based on Guenther Steiner, this mix of uncooked velocity and tactical strategy will give Charles Leclerc the sting of their on-track battle for supremacy on the Maranello staff. Guenther Steiner steered that whereas Lewis Hamilton excels in race administration, his advancing age might grow to be an element. He identified that Charles Leclerc, being a lot youthful, would possibly profit from working alongside Hamilton and even adopting a few of his methods. Steiner speculated that if the Monegasque applies these classes successfully, he might set up himself as Ferrari’s lead driver by the tip of the season.
Guenther Steiner predicts Fred Vasseur will face ‘powerful calls’ in Ferrari’s inside battle
Ferrari has by no means hesitated to make use of staff orders when obligatory, a method that has performed a pivotal function in shaping its previous title campaigns. From Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello to Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, the Scuderia has an extended historical past of prioritizing one driver over one other to maximise championship success.
Because the 2025 season unfolds, Ferrari might discover itself in an identical scenario as soon as once more. With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc each keen to steer the staff, staff principal Fred Vasseur could also be compelled to make tough selections to maintain Ferrari’s title ambitions on observe. Former F1 staff boss Guenther Steiner believes that if Ferrari emerges as a severe championship contender, the Frenchman might want to fastidiously handle the dynamic between his two drivers to keep away from inside battle and guarantee the very best outcomes. Guenther Steiner identified that each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had beforehand raced for Fred Vasseur’s groups in F2 and F3, highlighting the sturdy private relationships the Ferrari staff principal has with each drivers. He steered that there would inevitably be moments when Frederic Vasseur must make powerful calls, however expressed confidence that the Frenchman wouldn’t draw back from such challenges. Based on Steiner, the Ferrari staff boss had intentionally positioned himself with two extremely aggressive drivers, guaranteeing Ferrari had the very best likelihood to combat for a championship.
Forward of the Australian Grand Prix on the Albert Park circuit, Lewis Hamilton might be relying on his pre-season preparations to convey him on top of things together with his Maranello teammate, however early indications recommend the Monegasque driver might maintain a slight benefit for now.