Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari: a new era for seven-time F1 world champion. The beginning of a crucial chapter for Lewis Hamilton. .

Lewis Hamilton has embarked on a new phase of his career by joining Ferrari, leaving behind 12 years of triumphs with Mercedes. After a period that cemented him as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, the Briton decided to fulfill “a lifelong dream.”

Despite his bond with Mercedes, marked by six drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ championships, the German team’s struggles to master the “ground effect” regulations prompted Lewis Hamilton to seek new challenges and opportunities at Maranello.

The challenge with Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton, however, faces a task far from simple. At Ferrari, he must contend with Charles Leclerc, a driver considered among the most talented of his generation. Charles Leclerc’s speed and precision have made him one of the best in qualifying, as evidenced by the fact that “he has never lost a head-to-head qualifying battle with a teammate since 2018.”

Peter Windsor, former team manager and F1 analyst, does not have high expectations that Lewis Hamilton will replicate his past dominance: “If you think the Lewis at Ferrari will be the same Lewis who dominated at Mercedes, think again.”

According to Peter Windsor, the context is profoundly different: “Charles Leclerc is not Bottas. He’s much, much faster.” This statement underscores how the Monegasque driver represents a new and challenging rival for Hamilton in a team historically known for its internal dynamics.

A career built on internal rivalries
Lewis Hamilton, however, is no stranger to tough battles with his teammates. From the start of his career, he faced drivers like Fernando Alonso, then a two-time world champion, and later Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, and George Russell, all capable of putting the Briton under pressure.

Now, in 2025, the competition with Charles Leclerc adds another layer of complexity to his career. This new chapter represents not only an internal battle but also an opportunity to prove that, despite his age and the team change, Lewis Hamilton can still compete at the top of Formula 1 against one of the most promising drivers in the current field.