Hamilton Warns of Ferrari Politics but Sees Leclerc as Key Rival

Hamilton believes Leclerc’s speed will push him at Ferrari but acknowledges internal challenges as he embarks on a new chapter in 2025.

Lewis Hamilton is convinced that Charles Leclerc’s speed will be an additional motivation to perform in his first year at Ferrari. The seven-time F1 world champion is aware that the internal situation could be delicate, but he remains resolutely optimistic.

“I think it goes both ways. If you have a fast driver behind you, it gives you a wake-up call because you know your teammate will be at his best and will push you,” said Hamilton.

“And when he pushes you, it drives you to push yourself even further. Sometimes, that benefits the team because both drivers bring out the best in each other. I think having Charles with me is a positive thing. There will be internal politics.”

Johnny Herbert believes Hamilton knows he must be wary of Leclerc and his standing within Ferrari: “We must always remember that when Charles arrived at Ferrari with Sebastian Vettel, he took over Sebastian’s team. Lewis will be aware of that. In the end, motivation is the most powerful thing.”

Former Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug was saddened to see Hamilton leave the Mercedes family but is convinced the Briton can chase an eighth title: “I have to say it’s very sad for me. I never thought Lewis would switch teams again.”

“I’ve known him since he was 14. There has always been a very good relationship between them. I hadn’t seen him for years… and I don’t know. When you work with people, with racing drivers, for so long, it feels like the first day, as if the last meeting was just yesterday.”

“Those who think he will slow down at 40, ease off the throttle, or work less intensely are mistaken. He will give everything to Ferrari. I have absolute confidence that he will deliver the best possible performance in the race. And if the car is good, why wouldn’t that translate into an eighth title?”

Reflecting on his final years at Mercedes, Hamilton still feels robbed of the 2021 title and regrets how the 2022 to 2024 seasons unfolded: “The last few years have been difficult since the title we lost in 2021.”

“And it was really a stolen title—there’s no other way to put it—due to the wrong decision regarding the safety car at the time, but there was a downfall after that. The car and the team behind it faced many setbacks, including last year. The victories that were achieved sometimes came in low-temperature conditions.”