Christian Horner on what Lewis Hamilton needs to achieve at Ferrari – Charles Leclerc might not agree
Yesterday at 06:53 PM
Charles Leclerc is about to face one of the toughest challenges of his Formula 1 career, with the arrival of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari. While Leclerc has been the face of the Scuderia for years, the seven-time world champion's entry into the team could shift the dynamic. Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, has shared his perspective on what Hamilton must do at Ferrari, and it’s advice that Leclerc may not welcome.
Charles Leclerc has become a key figure at Ferrari since joining the team in 2019. A product of the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA), the Monegasque driver joined in 2016 after a promising rookie season in GP3. By 2019, he was racing for Ferrari alongside Sebastian Vettel, and in just his second season, he quickly surpassed the German driver. Now, in 2025, he faces the added pressure of sharing the team with the sport's most decorated driver, Hamilton.
Christian Horner, reflecting on Hamilton's move to Ferrari, has offered some pointed advice for the British driver. After leaving Mercedes for a multi-year contract with Ferrari in February 2024, Lewis Hamilton is now set to race for his third F1 team, following his stints at McLaren and Mercedes. His move to Maranello means adapting to a new engine—something Lewis Hamilton has never done in his career, having raced only with Mercedes power units up to this point.
However, the Red Bull boss believes that Lewis Hamilton's best chance at fighting for the F1 drivers' championship in 2025 hinges on him taking control of the Ferrari team early on. According to Horner, Hamilton must not only adjust to the Scuderia's car but also build the team around him to maximize his chances of success. He feels that if Lewis Hamilton can establish a strong connection with Ferrari from the beginning of the season, he'll be in a good position to challenge for the title.
If Lewis Hamilton fails to make his mark quickly, Horner warns that the early optimism Ferrari fans have shown towards him could fade, and he might face a difficult season. With Charles Leclerc already established as the team's lead driver, the British driver’s integration into Ferrari could create tension, especially if the two drivers are competing for supremacy within the team.
Christian Horner mentioned that the Maranello team’s fans will quickly warm to Hamilton if he performs well and delivers results, which would allow him to feed off their energy. However, he also pointed out that if Hamilton doesn't have a strong start, it could prove to be difficult for him. He added that much of Hamilton’s success will depend on how he integrates with the team early in the season. If Hamilton starts strong and establishes himself as the team’s leader, he believes the driver will regain his confidence and could become a serious contender for the World Championship.
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