Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc share heartfelt moment in Yas Marina paddock as countdown to 2025 campaign begins
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The chequered flag waved last Tuesday evening, marking the end of the post-season testing day at the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island and signaling the official start of the countdown to the 2025 Formula 1 season. Although major changes to the sport's regulations won't come until 2026, there's still plenty to look forward to as the F1 paddock prepares for pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 26, 2024.
One of the most intriguing storylines for the 2025 season revolves around the significant driver changes set to take place across multiple teams. In fact, more than half of the grid will feature at least one new driver, with one manufacturer in particular grabbing the spotlight for their moves. Ferrari, in a bold and strategic move, has managed to recruit the most successful driver in F1 history, Lewis Hamilton, who will be racing for only his third team in what will be his 18th season in the sport.
The British driver, known for his intense rivalries with some of F1's greatest drivers, has had his fair share of challenges with teammates over the years. From his notorious clash with Fernando Alonso during his debut season with McLaren in 2007 to his fierce battle with Nico Rosberg, Hamilton has experienced a wide range of dynamics within his teams. His partnership with Jenson Button at McLaren was another defining moment in his career, followed by his dominant years with Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton has also played a crucial role in mentoring George Russell, who will take over as Mercedes’ team leader starting next year.
However, Lewis Hamilton's new teammate at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, will present a very different challenge. Charles Leclerc, one of the most talented and successful homegrown drivers in modern F1, has already made a significant mark within Ferrari, and his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton promises to be one of the most exciting narratives in the sport. The Monegasque driver himself has acknowledged the distinct difference between Hamilton and his former teammate Carlos Sainz, with the two sharing a bond of mutual respect, as seen in their interaction after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A report from the Italian daily newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has shed light on how Ferrari ended their season on a high note despite not securing the Constructors’ Championship. It was important for the team to give Sainz a fitting farewell after his four years of dedicated service. The Spaniard was deeply moved by a heartfelt farewell video, and some of the Ferrari staff serenaded him with the song "Sara Perche Ti Amo," a tribute to AC Milan that translates to “It must be because I love you.” Charles Leclerc, in a touching gesture, dedicated his race helmet to Sainz and expressed his eagerness to race alongside him in the future.
Meanwhile, after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was seen in the paddock sharing an emotional embrace with Leclerc. According to the Italian media, it was a moment filled with melancholy, as Ferrari had fallen short in their bid to catch McLaren in the Constructors' standings. Leclerc's impressive third-place finish, despite a grid penalty, underscored his resilience throughout the weekend.
The appearance of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion at the Ferrari garage was also noted by the Italian media, with some fans questioning his wardrobe choices. While most drivers stick to team-branded attire when entering the paddock, Lewis Hamilton is known for his distinctive style and rarely wears Mercedes merchandise unless required. For the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he transitioned from an all-white outfit after Friday's practice sessions to donning Ferrari red on Sunday, sparking speculation about his upcoming move. After the race, Lewis Hamilton was spotted entering the Ferrari garage, though it's unclear what he was doing there or how long he spent with his future team. It's likely that he's already beginning the process of integrating himself into Ferrari's operations ahead of one of the most significant changes he'll experience in his F1 career.
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