Ferrari and Leclerc's new goal: the challenge Charles doesn't want to lose
Today at 07:36 AM
Ferrari has two stars for the 2025 Formula 1 season: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. A "problem" that many teams would dream of having, and one we have already discussed extensively in the past in our articles. Denying it would be an exercise in vanity. Making two such exceptional talents coexist will certainly not be an easy task, but Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur, with his pragmatism, seems confident that the benefits of this situation, which has been strongly desired by President John Elkann, will far outweigh the inevitable management complexities that might arise.
And, quite frankly, we agree: pairing a phenomenon alongside the Monegasque was the right choice compared to maintaining the status quo. Of course, Ferrari could have continued with Carlos Sainz, which remains a solid, prepared driver of undeniable value. But Lewis Hamilton brings something more to the table. There is no need to beat around the bush: the seven-time Formula 1 world champion is an extraordinary talent, and acknowledging that the British driver's numbers are in another league takes nothing away from Carlos Sainz’s worth. The question that resonates in conversations and glances concerns Lewis Hamilton's true integrity.
Just yesterday, in a dedicated article, we highlighted a fact that should reassure Ferrari fans. Lewis Hamilton, on average, has been faster than George Russell during races. A statement that stands above the criticisms. It is true, in terms of qualifying performance, he was not on George Russell's level. But this aspect, while real, has specific reasons. Toward the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season, when there was no longer any need to "protect" his former protégé, Andrew Shovlin provided a rational explanation for Lewis Hamilton's Saturday performances.
A technical issue related to the brakes significantly limited Lewis Hamilton's performance on single laps. In light of this, Ferrari remains calm about his potential. And then, isn't that "dualism" that sparks so much debate the essence of every great achievement? Frederic Vasseur, aiming to prioritize practice over theory, has stated that he will "use" this situation to push the entire Maranello team to greater heights. Only time will tell if this bold chemistry will work. For now, the stage is set. The leading actors are in position, ready to rewrite a script with a victorious Ferrari.
Setting aside the considerations outlined in the introduction, an intriguing theme emerges. One of those subtle truths that deserves attention, in our opinion. We are talking about a dynamic often underestimated but deeply rooted in the highest category of motorsport. We summarize it in one phrase: "the first opponent in Formula 1 is your teammate." It is an axiom that, beneath the surface, governs the very essence of competition. It's not a marginal issue; on the contrary, it's the guiding light for anyone gripping a steering wheel and racing full speed toward the horizon.
Charles Leclerc, knight of the Prancing Horse, has made a clear statement. He did so by projecting himself into a future where Ferrari can finally provide its drivers with a car capable of competing for the Formula 1 world title. The Monegasque driver has made it clear that he would never tolerate an “internal defeat.” His comments on the matter are steeped in candor: “I will never find myself in a situation where my teammate is fighting for the championship instead of me.” A declaration that exudes determination, reflecting the uncompromising will of a driver who knows no middle ground.
Yet the same principle resides in the heart of Lewis Hamilton. He has demonstrated it throughout his brilliant career. Having already navigated that treacherous path in 2016, when Nico Rosberg narrowly beat him to the title, he is certainly not willing to relive that nightmare. Not now, not with the weight of forty years of experience on his shoulders. However, this remains within the realm of hypothesis for now. Because before such a battle can unfold, it is clear Ferrari must create a car worthy of the ambitions it has fervently fueled.
The signs, it seems, are promising. Project 677, the Maranello team’s single-seater for the 2025 Formula 1 championship, stands as a statement of intent. The final phase of last season showcased a Ferrari that was finally competitive, while Red Bull appears to be faltering under the weight of its own problems. It is a scenario that invites hope. Charles Leclerc will have the advantage of knowing every nuance of the team—every “whisper” within the walls of the Maranello headquarters. Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, will have to make the most of his situation, adapting and finding his rhythm in a new symphony. A task not without its challenges.
But the seven-time Formula 1 world champion is not one to be intimidated. The British driver is a man who lives for glory, for the electrifying feeling of being the best. He has not come to Italy to play a supporting role; he is here to win. And although his pockets will be enriched by the imminent collaboration with the Maranello team, his primary target is not wealth but to enrich his trophy collection. The prospect of a duel between these two titans, each with their ambitions and pride, promises a narrative worth witnessing. Let us hope Ferrari proves equal to the task.
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