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Horner issues ‘DIVISIVE’ Hamilton and Leclerc warning to Ferrari
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has suggested that Ferrari could face internal challenges during the 2025 Formula 1 season due to the team’s driver line-up of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari and Red Bull are both entering the season with revamped driver pairings, with Hamilton joining Ferrari from Mercedes to partner Leclerc, while Liam Lawson steps up to Red Bull as Max Verstappen’s new teammate, replacing Sergio Perez.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Horner highlighted Red Bull’s clear driver hierarchy, where Verstappen is the undisputed lead driver and Lawson’s role is to support the team’s championship ambitions.
According to Horner, this strategy strengthens Red Bull’s chances of reclaiming the Constructors’ title.
“We are perhaps different from other teams. Max Verstappen is the most valuable asset in Formula 1, and he’s our lead driver. If Liam can get close to Max, that’s great, but the expectation is for Max to win,” Horner stated.
In contrast, Horner pointed out Ferrari’s potential dilemma in managing two high-profile drivers without a defined hierarchy.
With Hamilton aiming for a record-breaking eighth title and Leclerc determined to establish himself as Ferrari’s long-awaited champion, Horner believes this could lead to internal friction.
“Ferrari will have two drivers taking points off each other.Which one do you back? Supporting both equally can sometimes create divisions within a team,” Horner explained.
However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur dismissed concerns about the Hamilton-Leclerc partnership becoming problematic.
Drawing from his approach with Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Vasseur emphasized the importance of letting drivers compete freely, as he believes it fosters team performance and unity.
Vasseur told Sky F1 that having two strong drivers vying for wins is a positive challenge.
“I prefer fighting for first and second rather than 19th and 20th.Over the last two years, I allowed our drivers to race on track, and it benefited the team.The competitive environment helped us recover during tough times,” Vasseur said.
He added that mutual respect between teammates was crucial for maintaining harmony.
The Ferrari boss expressed confidence that the dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc would contribute to the team’s progress rather than hinder it.
Reflecting on the farewell test for Carlos Sainz at Fiorano, Vasseur noted the positive relationship Sainz had with Leclerc during their time as teammates.
As Hamilton prepares for his first season with Ferrari, Sainz has moved to Williams, signing a multi-year contract after learning early in 2024 that Hamilton would take his seat.
This marks a significant change for the Spaniard, who played a key role in Ferrari’s recent resurgence.
While Red Bull is banking on Verstappen’s dominance and Lawson’s potential to secure another championship, Ferrari faces the challenge of balancing two superstar drivers.
With both teams taking different strategic approaches to their driver pairings, the 2025 season promises to be a fascinating battle both on and off the track.
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