Hamilton-Ferrari: A Rivalry Reborn - Horner Predicts Clash

Christian Horner sees Hamilton’s Ferrari move sparking fresh battles with Verstappen, rekindling one of F1’s fiercest modern rivalries.

Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, eagerly anticipates the revival of the fierce rivalry between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1 next year, as the British driver prepares to join the ranks of Ferrari.

Since their unforgettable clash in 2021, culminating in one of the most controversial season finales in F1 history, on-track battles between the two champions have been regrettably rare, largely due to Mercedes’ competitiveness waning under the new regulatory era.

This year, however, there have been glimpses of confrontation, particularly mid-season when Ferrari faltered and Hamilton seized the opportunity to secure two of Mercedes’ three Grand Prix victories, including an emotional triumph on home soil at Silverstone.

Ferrari has since impressively re-established itself among the front-runners, now challenging McLaren in the constructors’ standings and positioning itself as a serious contender for both titles in 2025.

This context renders Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari all the more promising. Horner insightfully notes that it will be “extremely interesting to see how Lewis acclimatises to life at Ferrari.”

“He’s leaving an extremely familiar environment, one he knows down to the finest detail after more than a decade. So, it will be quite a significant change for him,” he adds.

“Charles Leclerc is a driver of undeniable talent. Ferrari, meanwhile, seems to be an outfit finding its rhythm. With a driver of Lewis’s calibre, we can expect a formidable rival.”

“This transfer might be happening at the perfect moment for Hamilton. Clearly, he’s seen something compelling enough to make this choice, as he believes in Ferrari’s future. The outcome of this venture will be fascinating to watch.”

“And yes, we could well see a grand resurgence of the contest between Max and him as early as next year, if current performances hold steady. I believe 2025 promises to be an absolutely exceptional year.”