Ferrari: Jean Alesi fears Charles Leclerc may find it difficult to handle Lewis Hamilton's popularity and notoriety

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Charles Leclerc is set to face perhaps the most formidable challenge of his Ferrari career in 2025 as he partners with Lewis Hamilton, one of Formula 1's all-time greats.

The Monegasque driver firmly established himself as Ferrari's lead competitor in 2024, securing three pole positions and three race victories. Leclerc ultimately finished third in the Drivers' Championship, narrowly missing out on second to Lando Norris, but still ending the season 66 points clear of his Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz.

As the 27-year-old prepares for 2025, he is widely regarded as a top contender for the championship, thanks to Ferrari's improved performance and his exceptional racecraft demonstrated throughout the 2024 season. A strong faction of fans argues that Charles Leclerc has proven himself superior to Norris – widely considered the title favorite by many analysts – after outperforming the Brit in the first and final eight races of last season.

However, the Monegasque will now face a new dynamic within the team as Carlos Sainz departs for Williams after four years alongside the Italian squad. Reflecting on their partnership, Charles Leclerc shared a heartfelt message to his now former Maranello teammate, expressing gratitude for their time together at Ferrari. Yet, as one chapter closes, a far more intimidating one begins, with Lewis Hamilton donning Ferrari red after 12 years with Mercedes.

Charles Leclerc's bid to maintain his status as Ferrari's lead driver in 2025 comes with the significant challenge of competing against Hamilton, who brings unparalleled experience and a wealth of accolades to the team.

The Weight of Facing Hamilton: Experience and Popularity
Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari marks a historic moment, as the Scuderia will have had both of Formula 1's seven-time world champions drive for the team – the other being the legendary Michael Schumacher. The Briton has made it clear he is eager to begin his journey with Ferrari, looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season where he finished seventh in the standings – the lowest placement of his illustrious career.

Despite Lewis Hamilton's dip in form, Charles Leclerc will not underestimate the challenge ahead. Hamilton's pedigree is unmatched, boasting 105 career wins and unparalleled racecraft, even as he struggled in qualifying sessions last year. Moreover, the Briton's arrival has already galvanized Ferrari's fanbase, evidenced by record ticket demand for the Italian Grand Prix following the announcement of his move.

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, who signed for the Italian side in 1991 to partner Alain Prost, scoring several podiums across five years before taking his only race win at the Canadian Grand Prix three decades ago, believes the Monegasque driver will find it "difficult" to handle Lewis Hamilton's presence, not just because of his racing acumen but also due to his immense popularity and influence. The global star power Lewis Hamilton brings to Ferrari will undoubtedly create additional pressure for Charles Leclerc, who has been the team's main focus since joining in 2019.

As the 2025 Formula 1 campaign approaches, the intra-team battle at Ferrari promises to be one of the most compelling narratives. Charles Leclerc will be eager to prove that he can rise to the occasion, but with the British driver’s sights set on claiming an eighth world title, the competition between the two will undoubtedly be fierce: "From Charles' side, he has everything to gain in my opinion. It is obvious that coming with his notoriety, his popularity, it will be difficult even for Charles", the French former racing driver, who competed in Formula 1 between 1989 and 2001 said in an interview for the flagship television newscast produced by Rai 1.

Who Will Ferrari Favor: Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc in 2025?

On paper, Charles Leclerc appears to have the upper hand over Lewis Hamilton heading into the 2025 season, particularly when considering Hamilton's struggles in qualifying during 2024. The Briton failed to advance to Q3 on six occasions and managed to secure a front-row start only once throughout the entire season. These difficulties have led many to speculate that Charles Leclerc, known for his exceptional single-lap pace, should have the edge over his new teammate.

Hamilton has been candid with Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur about his qualifying challenges, emphasizing the need to resolve these issues if he hopes to contend with Leclerc on equal footing. Improving his Saturday performance will be critical for the British driver, as consistent front-row starts are often the foundation for fighting at the sharp end of the grid.

Despite his qualifying woes, Lewis Hamilton demonstrated in 2024 that he remains a formidable competitor capable of race wins and championship-caliber drives. His victory at Silverstone showcased his ability to capitalize on key moments, while his spectacular charge from 16th to 4th in Abu Dhabi reminded fans of the racecraft that has earned him seven world championships.

As the 2025 season looms, the question on everyone's mind is which of Ferrari's two star drivers will receive preferential treatment in their quest for the title. With both drivers bringing immense talent and experience, the dynamic within the team will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining their championship fortunes.

Equal Treatment or Contractual Advantage?
Ferrari has stated that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will begin the season on equal footing, with the freedom to race each other on track. This approach aligns with the Scuderia's commitment to fostering internal competition, but it may also reflect a specific clause in Lewis Hamilton's contract. Rumors suggest that the Brit may have negotiated terms to prevent the implementation of team orders that could hinder his chances of establishing himself within the team. If true, this would give the seven-time F1 world champion a level of autonomy as he seeks to make a significant impact at Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, has been a cornerstone of Ferrari since 2019, earning the loyalty of the team and its fanbase through years of dedicated service and standout performances. His familiarity with Ferrari's operations and personnel may provide him with a slight advantage in adapting to any challenges the 2025 season presents. However, Lewis Hamilton's vast experience and proven ability to integrate seamlessly into new teams—evident from his transition to Mercedes in 2013—cannot be underestimated.

The dynamic between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton is poised to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the season. While Ferrari's intention to treat both drivers equally seems clear, the natural competitiveness between two world-class talents could test this policy as the season unfolds. Whether through pure performance, strategic brilliance, or contractual nuances, the question of favoritism may ultimately be decided not by the team, but by the drivers themselves.

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