Hamilton's Ferrari dream is OVER'

Hamilton’s Ferrari dream is OVER’ – Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season, bringing with it plenty of drama, exciting performances, and a bit of controversy. McLaren, led by Lando Norris, secured the Constructors’ Championship after a well-executed season, capping it off with a strong result in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Ferrari showed commendable effort in the final stages of the season, but a deleted lap time for Charles Leclerc in qualifying significantly hampered their title hopes, gifting the championship to their rivals.

Max Verstappen’s race was marred by a 10-second penalty for an incident that the stewards deemed his fault. The reigning champion expressed frustration over the penalty, but the decision stood, highlighting his ongoing tensions with race officials. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, also had a disastrous race, spinning out on the opening lap and being forced to retire early from the race. It was a disappointing end to a season for both drivers, as they finished far below expectations.

Despite the chaos, the race allowed for some reflection on key drivers and their futures. One such driver is Lewis Hamilton, who, although finishing the season with a solid result, faced increasing speculation about his future. Hamilton’s long-awaited dream of joining Ferrari seems increasingly out of reach, with the team’s focus now shifting towards the potential pairing of Charles Leclerc and Hamilton. While Leclerc, like Hamilton, faced a tough qualifying session in Abu Dhabi, his recovery drive to finish third in the race demonstrated his talent and racecraft. Leclerc’s performance was a reminder of why many believe he could soon challenge Hamilton’s dominance within any team, including Ferrari. His P3 finish marked an impressive end to the season and positioned him as a formidable driver for the future.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, it is evident that Leclerc could quickly end any sort of “honeymoon period” Hamilton might enjoy as the new star at Ferrari. Leclerc has proven to be a superior driver to Mercedes’ George Russell, and his resilience in the Abu Dhabi GP was a testament to his capabilities. His form towards the end of 2024 suggests he will be a serious contender against Hamilton, especially if they share the same team. As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, Ferrari’s focus on Leclerc, combined with the potential arrival of Hamilton, could signal a new chapter for the Scuderia.

While Verstappen’s frustration and Perez’s early exit dominated the headlines, it was McLaren’s triumph and Leclerc’s impressive drive that stole the show. As the season wraps up, the motorsport world eagerly anticipates the new season and the potential battles ahead, particularly between Leclerc and Hamilton, who will both be keen to prove themselves in what promises to be an exciting 2025.