Charles Leclerc drops hint why Lewis Hamilton could struggle in first Ferrari season…see details
Charles Leclerc drops hint why Lewis Hamilton could struggle in first Ferrari season…see details
Lewis Hamilton is embarking on a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Ferrari in 2025, after spending the entirety of his career at McLaren and Mercedes. The move has raised plenty of attention, as it’s only the second time in his F1 journey that he’s switched teams. As Hamilton settles in with the Scuderia, his new teammate Charles Leclerc may have just hinted at some challenges the British driver could face in his first season with Ferrari, particularly when it comes to qualifying.
Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, is entering his seventh season with the team. While Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is a significant shift for the seven-time world champion, Leclerc is very much a fixture in Maranello. This means Leclerc will likely have the upper hand in terms of team knowledge and experience as the two battle for supremacy within Ferrari. The two drivers will start the 2025 season on equal footing, with both aiming to establish themselves as the team’s No. 1 driver.
However, Leclerc may already have an advantage when it comes to one crucial aspect of the race weekend: qualifying. In 2024, Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying were well-documented. He was often caught out by pushing too hard at critical moments, which led to errors such as locking up his brakes. This resulted in poor qualifying performances, including starting in 18th place in China and 10th in Las Vegas.
Leclerc himself has admitted that he faces a similar challenge when the grip is limited, and his tendency to push hard in qualifying can sometimes backfire. The Monegasque driver has acknowledged that he struggles on low-grip circuits, such as those seen in Monza and Mexico City, which could pose a challenge for both drivers in 2025. “It’s not one of my strengths, qualifying on very low-grip tracks,” Leclerc said in an interview with RACER. He added that pushing too much in these conditions leads to him struggling more than he would like.
This vulnerability could pose a challenge for Hamilton as well, especially since Ferrari has yet to secure a drivers’ title since Kimi Raikkonen’s 2007 championship. Ferrari’s performance has been close, with the team finishing just 14 points shy of the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. As a result, both Hamilton and Leclerc will be looking to capitalize on any opportunity to gain an edge over the other. The ability to perform well in qualifying could be crucial in their fight for the No. 1 spot and Ferrari’s pursuit of the elusive title.
Ultimately, while Hamilton’s move to Ferrari brings with it excitement, it also sets the stage for a fierce rivalry between him and Leclerc, with both drivers aiming to overcome their qualifying difficulties and lead the team to success.
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