Hamilton and Leclerc ‘Showdown’ Predicted with Ferrari No.1 Driver Identified

As Lewis Hamilton gears up to join Ferrari in 2025, tensions are already brewing with Charles Leclerc, with a Monaco GP “showdown” expected. Here’s why Ferrari’s new team dynamic could spark controversy.

Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari: A Game-Changer for F1 2025

In a groundbreaking move, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season, ending his long association with Mercedes. This major shift is expected to shake up Ferrari’s team dynamic, especially with Charles Leclerc, who has been with the Scuderia since 2019.

According to ex-F1 designer and pundit Gary Anderson, the arrival of Hamilton, who is set to earn over $400 million, will shift Ferrari’s focus and support toward him. This move comes after Carlos Sainz’s departure, as the Spanish driver found a new home at Williams for the 2025 season.

Ferrari’s New Team Dynamics: Leclerc and Hamilton Rivalry Looms

Gary Anderson warns that with Hamilton’s arrival, the “family” atmosphere that Ferrari once had will change. Leclerc, who enjoyed a relatively smooth relationship with Sainz despite occasional on-track tension, will now face a very different situation with a seven-time champion joining the fold.

Anderson states, “For Charles Leclerc, there won’t be the same family team atmosphere that Sainz brought to Ferrari. With Hamilton, a seven-time champion, joining, it could be completely different. Ferrari has already backed him financially, paying him much more than Leclerc, which could create friction.”

Monaco GP to Be the Ultimate Showdown

Anderson predicts that Monaco will be the key race where the rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc reaches its peak. Both drivers are strong on the streets of Monte Carlo, but Leclerc, known for his exceptional skills on this circuit, could face added pressure with Ferrari’s backing of Hamilton.

Leclerc, who has historically excelled in Monaco, will need to prove he can handle the new dynamic within Ferrari. The spotlight will be on him as the team navigates its allegiance between the two top drivers.

Ferrari’s Title Hopes with Hamilton and Leclerc

While the rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc heats up, Ferrari remains focused on winning the F1 2025 title. Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, is confident that both drivers can challenge Max Verstappen and Red Bull for the championship.

Vasseur explains, “If you look at the second half of 2024, Charles scored the most points after Monza. We were able to react quickly as a team, and that’s encouraging for the future. If we can minimize mistakes and keep progressing, we have a good chance in 2025.”

Hamilton’s First Test with Ferrari

Before the season begins, Hamilton will get his first taste of Ferrari machinery in a private test session at Ferrari’s Fiorano track in January. This will be crucial as Hamilton gets acclimated to the team and begins his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth World Championship.

Hamilton’s initial test at Ferrari is expected to involve either the F1-75 or SF-23 chassis, as per testing regulations, with a follow-up session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya ahead of pre-season testing in February.

The Road Ahead: Ferrari’s New Era

With Hamilton now on board, Ferrari’s goals for 2025 are clear: challenge for the title with both Leclerc and Hamilton leading the charge. As the team navigates internal rivalries and adjusts to a new hierarchy, all eyes will be on the upcoming Monaco GP, where the Hamilton-Leclerc showdown could be the first of many.

Stay tuned as we witness the start of Ferrari’s new era, with high hopes and even higher stakes for both Leclerc and Hamilton in their pursuit of F1 glory.