Charles Leclerc has been told to do his best to compete with Lewis Hamilton in the early stages of the 2025 F1 season.
The stakes have never been higher at Ferrari as the legendary team prepares for a seismic shift in Formula 1. Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton joins the Scuderia in 2025, setting the stage for an intense intra-team rivalry with Charles Leclerc. While Hamilton eyes an unprecedented eighth title, former F1 boss Eddie Jordan has issued a stark warning to Leclerc—seize control early or risk being overshadowed.
Ferrari’s High-Stakes Gamble on Hamilton
Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari sent shockwaves through the paddock, particularly as it led to Carlos Sainz’s departure. Despite signing a short-term extension with Mercedes in 2023, Hamilton signaled his availability, prompting Ferrari to act swiftly. The prospect of uniting F1’s most decorated driver with its most storied team was irresistible.
However, while Hamilton arrives with a wealth of experience and accolades—including 105 Grand Prix wins—Leclerc remains Ferrari’s golden boy. A product of the team’s driver academy, the Monegasque has spent seven years within the Ferrari camp, earning the trust and admiration of the Italian outfit. Now, the challenge lies in ensuring he doesn’t get pushed aside by Hamilton’s overwhelming presence.
Eddie Jordan: ‘Leclerc Must Strike First’
Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, Eddie Jordan emphasized the urgency for Leclerc to establish dominance early in the season.
“Leclerc has been at Ferrari for seven years—he knows everyone, the culture, the language,” Jordan noted. “He’s the darling of Maranello, but he’ll be in for a surprise. He had a certain dynamic with Carlos Sainz, but Lewis is different. I think it’ll take Lewis two or three races to get up to speed, but once he does, the love from the Tifosi and the team will grow.”
Jordan insists that Leclerc must take full advantage of his deep Ferrari ties before Hamilton settles in.
“I would urge Leclerc to get on his bike early because that’s when he can establish some dominance. As the season unfolds and Lewis becomes more comfortable, it’ll be harder for Leclerc to maintain his status as the team’s centerpiece.”
Hamilton’s Mercedes Struggles—A Sign of Weakness?
Despite his incredible resume, Hamilton heads into 2025 following a turbulent final season with Mercedes. He struggled to adapt to the W15, often outperformed by his younger teammate George Russell, especially in qualifying.
“At the end of the day, George grabbed that car by the horns,” Jordan observed. “Lewis never looked entirely comfortable. He even admitted in a private interview that he told Toto Wolff and Pete Bonnington that something felt fundamentally wrong with the rear of the car.”
While some see Hamilton’s struggles as a sign of vulnerability, his ability to adapt to a new environment remains a dangerous prospect for Leclerc.
Sainz’s Brutal Reality Check
Carlos Sainz, now on his way out of Ferrari, revealed that he was never in doubt about who the team would prioritize.
“I understand it was never going to be Charles,” Sainz said on the Beyond the Grid podcast. “Charles has been Ferrari’s project since he was a junior driver. He’s been the centerpiece for years.”
That status is now under threat. With Hamilton’s arrival, Ferrari’s internal power dynamic will shift, and Leclerc must fight harder than ever to keep his place as the team’s number-one driver.
2025: A Season of High Drama at Ferrari
The battle between Leclerc and Hamilton promises to be one of the most thrilling storylines of the 2025 season. Can Leclerc rise to the challenge and fend off one of the sport’s greatest drivers? Or will Hamilton’s experience and championship pedigree tilt the balance in his favor? One thing is certain—the fight for Ferrari supremacy is about to get personal.
