Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Journey Begins: Is Leclerc Setting the Benchmark?

The numbers from Ferrari’s Fiorano shakedown suggest an early gap between teammates. But should Hamilton fans be worried?

Formula 1’s biggest driver switch in recent history is officially underway. Lewis Hamilton has donned the red of Ferrari, but his first run in the SF-25 at Fiorano has already sparked debate. Reports suggest Hamilton was 0.8 seconds slower than Charles Leclerc during their private shakedown, raising eyebrows across the paddock.

Is this a sign of trouble, or just an overblown preseason statistic? Let’s dive into the details.

Breaking Down the Fiorano Shakedown

Ferrari’s highly anticipated SF-25 hit the track for the first time following its grand unveiling in London. As per tradition, the team conducted a private shakedown at Fiorano, with Leclerc and Hamilton splitting the driving duties.

Leclerc, now in his seventh season with Ferrari, was first behind the wheel, completing around 30 laps in the morning session. Hamilton then took over in the afternoon for his first real taste of Ferrari machinery.

And that’s when the headlines began.

According to a Marca report, Hamilton’s fastest time was 0.8 seconds off Leclerc’s best effort. While that gap might seem alarming, it’s essential to put these figures into context.

Is the 0.8-Second Gap Significant?

Let’s get one thing straight: this was not a competitive session. Ferrari’s shakedown runs are primarily meant to check system functions, gather initial data, and ensure reliability. The cars ran on special Pirelli tyres designed for durability, not performance.

Jumping to conclusions based on shakedown lap times would be like predicting championship standings from FP1 results. But the Fiorano gap does add to another statistic—Hamilton was also slower than Leclerc during the Barcelona tyre test earlier this month, trailing by 1.788 seconds on the second day after leading by 0.130 seconds on the first.

Could this be an early pattern, or is it just a case of different testing programs?

The Learning Curve: Leclerc’s Advantage Over Hamilton

Leclerc’s experience with Ferrari gives him a natural edge. He understands how a Maranello-built car behaves and has spent years fine-tuning his feedback with the engineers. For him, the SF-25 is an evolution of a car he already knows well.

Hamilton, meanwhile, is in unfamiliar territory. Having spent 12 years at Mercedes, he now has to unlearn old habits and adapt to Ferrari’s unique characteristics—something that takes time, even for a seven-time world champion.

Ferrari’s previous cars have had a reputation for being tricky to handle, particularly in low-speed corners. If the SF-25 carries over any of those tendencies, Leclerc’s familiarity with Ferrari’s quirks could give him a noticeable early-season edge.

If Leclerc looked more comfortable pushing the SF-25 from the outset, it shouldn’t come as a shock. But that doesn’t mean Hamilton won’t find his rhythm.

The Age Factor: Is Hamilton Slowing Down?

Hamilton’s 2024 season wasn’t his strongest in one-lap pace. He was outqualified by George Russell in 19 of 24 races and, at one point, openly admitted he was “not fast anymore” following a frustrating Qatar GP.

That said, let’s not forget that qualifying pace isn’t the only factor in a driver’s performance. Racecraft, adaptability, and consistency all play a role. And while Leclerc has proven himself as a one-lap specialist with 26 pole positions since 2019, Hamilton remains one of F1’s best at maximizing race-day strategy and performance.

Another element to consider is the evolution of driving styles. Modern F1 cars are designed with aggressive aerodynamics, demanding a different approach compared to Hamilton’s peak years in the turbo-hybrid era. Younger drivers like Leclerc, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris have honed their techniques in this environment, possibly making adaptation easier for them.

So, should we be reading into the Fiorano gap as a sign of decline? Not yet. But if the trend continues into the competitive sessions, the conversation could shift quickly.

Ferrari’s Internal Dynamic: A Potential Power Struggle?

Ferrari’s driver pairing in 2025 is one of the most fascinating matchups in recent history. On one side, you have Leclerc—Ferrari’s golden boy, a driver they’ve backed for years as their future champion. On the other, you have Hamilton—the most successful F1 driver ever, bringing a wealth of experience and a championship-winning mentality.

Historically, Ferrari has struggled with managing two top-tier drivers. The Alonso vs. Massa dynamic had its moments of tension, while the Vettel vs. Leclerc era was plagued by internal clashes. If Hamilton starts matching or beating Leclerc in crucial sessions, could we see tensions rise?

Ferrari will have to navigate this carefully. The last thing the team needs is internal rivalry derailing a potential championship challenge. But if managed well, a healthy competition could push both drivers to new heights.

The Real Test Awaits in Bahrain

Ferrari’s SF-25 will undergo its first proper evaluation at the Bahrain pre-season test, giving us the first true comparison between Hamilton and Leclerc under competitive conditions.

If Hamilton remains consistently behind his teammate—not just in testing, but in qualifying and race simulations—then Ferrari might have a serious dynamic to manage.

Let’s also remember who we’re talking about: Lewis Hamilton. He’s a seven-time world champion, a driver with 103 race wins, and the most successful competitor in F1 history. Writing him off after a shakedown would be absurd.

Another key factor in Bahrain will be race simulations. While one-lap pace is important, Ferrari needs to see how Hamilton performs over a full stint compared to Leclerc. If he’s able to manage tyre degradation better or make strategic calls on par with his teammate, it could balance out any initial qualifying deficit.

What Can We Expect in the First Few Races?

Looking ahead to the opening rounds in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, Hamilton fans should keep an eye on three key indicators:

1. Qualifying Performance: If Hamilton can close the gap to Leclerc in a competitive setting, it will indicate he’s adapting well.

2. Race Pace: Even if he’s slightly behind in qualifying, his ability to make up positions and manage tyres will be crucial.

3. Team Dynamics: Will Ferrari allow both drivers to fight freely, or will Leclerc receive preferential treatment as their long-term investment?

Ferrari’s strategy team, which has faced criticism in the past for tactical errors, will also play a vital role. If they favor one driver over the other in early races, it could shape the season’s internal politics.

Hamilton Fans: No Need to Panic Yet

Right now, the 0.8-second gap at Fiorano is more of an interesting footnote than a serious concern. Hamilton is still settling into his new team, adapting to a completely different car philosophy, and testing conditions remain non-representative.

That said, the real test begins in Bahrain. If Leclerc consistently outpaces Hamilton there, Ferrari’s internal battle could become one of the defining storylines of 2025.

For now, it’s too soon to say whether Hamilton is struggling—or just getting warmed up. But one thing is certain: his time at Ferrari is already delivering the drama we all expected.