Lewis Hamilton is getting ready to bid farewell to Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the top of a exceptional 12-year journey with the Silver Arrows.
Scuderia Ferrari is eagerly awaiting the British driver’s arrival, counting down the times till he dons their iconic pink go well with and takes to the observe as a part of their group for the 2025 Components 1 season. Regardless of being 40 years outdated when he competes in his first race for the Scuderia, Lewis Hamilton stays assured in his skill to chase an elusive eighth world championship title. His huge expertise and relentless drive will undoubtedly make him a key contender subsequent season.
Abu Dhabi holds a fancy historical past for Hamilton, because it has been the location of each triumphs and heartbreak. Whereas he has claimed 5 victories on the Yas Marina Circuit, the venue has additionally witnessed a few of the most difficult moments of his profession, together with the dramatic conclusion to the 2021 season the place Max Verstappen claimed the title, and the tense 2016 finale the place Nico Rosberg edged him out to win the championship earlier than retiring. As Hamilton gears up for his Ferrari debut in 2025, he’ll be aiming to create new constructive reminiscences on this observe whereas forsaking the emotional scars of the previous.
Nonetheless, earlier than he can absolutely deal with his future with Ferrari, Hamilton should tackle some persistent points. His qualifying performances have raised considerations, notably as he continues to grapple with the nuances of the present era of ground-effect vehicles. Adapting to a brand new atmosphere and equipment at Ferrari will current its personal set of challenges, particularly when paired with a powerful teammate like Charles Leclerc.
F1 commentator Alex Jacques, talking on the F1 Nation Podcast, highlighted a possible benefit Ferrari may acquire from the struggles of the seven-time Components 1 world champion. The award-winning sports activities commentator and broadcaster recommended that Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation curve may present an surprising enhance to the group dynamic, particularly for Charles Leclerc, as they navigate the 2025 Components 1 season collectively. Alex Jacques was requested whether or not Ferrari could be fearful concerning the indicators of Lewis Hamilton’s difficulties at Mercedes and provided an intriguing perspective on the scenario: “No, for a few causes. You’re getting a regulation reset in 2026. So if he simply doesn’t get on with one of these automobile, there’s a model new reg set and you may simply run and run and run and simply get him within the simulator and discover a flip round.” – he defined
“Max Verstappen was requested about this early within the week. You by no means lose the core expertise to win seven titles. So, age may imply a little bit of depreciation, however I don’t assume they’ll be involved and the opposite factor is that if he takes a 12 months to stand up to hurry. One of many key issues that’s going to determine the driving force’s title subsequent 12 months is how they break up the factors. If Ferrari break up the factors 50-50 and McLaren break up the factors 60-40 both method, George Russell’s bought a rookie teammate subsequent 12 months, we don’t understand how Antonelli goes to do however Max Verstappen will probably be taking the lion’s share of factors at Pink Bull. So, regardless of how fast that automobile is Max Verstappen will probably be taking the lion’s share of it. So, if Lewis takes a number of races to stand up to hurry it sort of has an upside for Ferrari if Charlotte Leclerc can ship.” – added the Components 1 lead commentator for Channel 4 and F1TV and the voice of all F1 digital output.
Lewis Hamilton holds the title of essentially the most profitable driver within the historical past of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, boasting extra wins on the Yas Marina Circuit than some other competitor. Nonetheless, as the ultimate race of the 2024 season approaches, his prospects of including one other victory to his document seem slim.
Max Verstappen, then again, has the chance to tie Hamilton’s win tally in Abu Dhabi if he secures a fourth consecutive victory within the UAE desert. But, even Pink Bull faces a troublesome problem, as each McLaren and Ferrari appear to have an edge over the reigning champions heading into the weekend.
For Charles Leclerc, this race represents extra than simply private delight—it’s a pivotal second in Ferrari’s marketing campaign to clinch their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008. To realize this, Charles Leclerc should assist the Scuderia overturn a frightening 21-point hole to McLaren. The duty is made much more difficult by the robust type of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who’ve constantly delivered for McLaren all through the season.
The Monegasque driver additionally has an extra incentive: making a strong assertion because the chief of Ferrari earlier than Lewis Hamilton joins the group for 2025. Guiding Ferrari to a long-awaited title would solidify Leclerc’s place as a key determine within the group’s resurgence and set the tone for what guarantees to be an intense partnership with the seven-time world champion.
Subsequent Components 1 season will undoubtedly be an exhilarating showdown between Charles Leclerc and the British driver, each keen to claim themselves as Ferrari’s high driver. For Lewis Hamilton, a powerful debut with the Scuderia will probably be essential, as expectations at Maranello are notoriously excessive. With the group and followers alike demanding success, Hamilton is aware of he can’t afford a gradual begin in what could possibly be his last push for an eighth world title.
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers find out about us
