Ferrari and McLaren must pick their number-one driver fast, as Leclerc, Hamilton, Norris, and Piastri prepare for a fierce 2025 battle.
The 2025 F1 season hasn’t even started, but Ferrari and McLaren already face a critical decision—who will lead their championship charge?
Former F1 driver Romain Grosjean believes both teams are in a delicate position. With the potential to fight for the title, they must decide quickly which driver to back.
Leclerc vs. Hamilton: Ferrari’s Big Dilemma
According to winter testing, Charles Leclerc seems to have the edge in pure speed. But how do you balance that when your teammate is a seven-time world champion?
“Ferrari and McLaren are in a tricky spot,” says Grosjean. “Leclerc has delivered for Ferrari at Monza and Monaco, but Hamilton is one of the biggest names in the sport. At the start, Charles might be seen as the number one because he knows the team and the car. But if Lewis matches him—or even beats him—then what? A choice will have to be made, and fast.”
Under Fred Vasseur, Ferrari avoided naming a clear number-one driver, allowing both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to win races. But can the same approach work with Hamilton in the mix?
“Don’t expect Lewis to need an adjustment period,” warns Grosjean. “99% of the time, he’ll already be in sync with the team and the car. He’s one of the most talented drivers ever. No matter the color of the car or the shape of the steering wheel, he’ll be fast.”
McLaren: Two Future Stars, One Tough Decision
At McLaren, the situation could have been clearer—except Oscar Piastri’s performance could change everything.
“McLaren is in a tough spot because they have two exceptional young drivers,” says Grosjean. “Neither of them is close to retirement; both are just getting started. If Piastri matches Norris from the beginning, McLaren will face very tough decisions.”
And history proves how dangerous a teammate rivalry can be. “We’ve seen this in F1 before,” Grosjean reminds us. “Think of Prost and Senna—it didn’t end well.”
The Teammate Battle: A Test of Team Leadership
“They say your teammate is your first rival,” Grosjean continues. “He’s the only one with the same tools as you, and you want to beat him more than anyone.”
That’s why team management will be crucial. “McLaren has done everything right so far—it’s fantastic,” he says. “But Lando and Oscar don’t need to hold hands. What they do need is a clear vision from the team. McLaren must decide what they want to achieve and how they plan to get there.”
2025: The Year of Hard Choices
Whether it’s Ferrari managing the Leclerc-Hamilton dynamic or McLaren balancing Norris and Piastri, one thing is clear: tough decisions are coming. And in a sport where every millisecond counts, hesitating could cost them everything.
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Ferrari, McLaren in a Race to Name Their No.1 Driver Ferrari, McLaren in a Race to Name Their No.1 Driver
