Formula 1: Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton move benefits all but one person

Formula 1: Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton move benefits all but one person

As a die-hard F1 fan with decades of racing history under my belt, I can’t help but feel a thrill watching Charles Leclerc’s journey unfold. The young Monegasque driver has shown incredible promise, and his recent podium finishes for Ferrari are a testament to the progress they’ve made this season.

In the 2024 Formula 1 season, Ferrari has made a strong comeback and aims for its second consecutive top-two constructor championship placement in just three years.

2025 is a target year for Charles Leclerc’s quest for a world championship, fueled by the significant advancements Ferrari has shown this season. These advancements have resulted in Leclerc visiting the winner’s podium on two occasions.

In the 2022 season, Ferrari had a chance to clinch the world championship with driver Charles Leclerc. At 27 years old, he appeared to have a car that could regularly secure victories, and he often outperformed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen early in the season. However, Leclerc made several errors, resulting in retirements from races, which cost him crucial points and ultimately hindered Ferrari’s chances of winning the championship.

Recently, the lead Ferrari racer was queried about the team’s ongoing advancements as they approach the upcoming season. He expressed great excitement about being behind the wheel next year and stated that he is optimistic about claiming the championship title. However, he also recognized the tough competition his new teammate will undoubtedly present.

A few key factors Leclerc must realize

In the pursuit of ending 2025 triumphantly, Leclerc is bracing himself for a greater number of obstacles than he encountered in 2022. If the SF-25 lives up to expectations and proves to be fast, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s latest recruit, is expected to pose a tough challenge right from the starting grid in Melbourne in March.

Beyond the seven-time world champion, there remains Verstappen and Red Bull, in addition to the McLaren drivers Lando Norris and the up-and-coming Oscar Piastri, all of whom pose a challenge as McLaren, currently making a strong comeback, are the favorites for this year’s constructor championship title.

It’s clear that both Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, possess the ability to be highly competitive. As we approach the final year of the current regulations in 2025, teams have gained a deep understanding of these rules, allowing them to optimize their car’s performance more effectively compared to the early stages such as 2022. The latter part of the 2024 season has already shown signs of a tight four-team competition.

Regardless of rivalry, Leclerc needs to admit that he himself was his biggest obstacle when a championship fight came close. Initially, he was tipped as the top contender for the 2022 title, but repeated errors allowed Verstappen to gain the lead in points and eventually pull ahead.

Despite the elapsed time, it remains uncertain if Monaco will witness a repeat of the formation lap accident.

Although Leclerc is seen as the primary driver for Ferrari at present, this could easily shift, considering Hamilton’s continued pursuit of a historic eighth championship title. Given Ferrari’s significant investment in Hamilton, he may be given leniency during the latter stages of his career if he performs at least as well, or even better than Leclerc.

2024-10-20 13:32

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