Lewis Hamilton is preparing to bid farewell to Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the end of a remarkable 12-year journey with the Silver Arrows.
Scuderia Ferrari is eagerly awaiting the British driver’s arrival, counting down the days until he dons their iconic red suit and takes to the track as part of their team for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite being 40 years old when he competes in his first race for the Scuderia, Lewis Hamilton remains confident in his ability to chase an elusive eighth world championship title. His vast experience and relentless drive will undoubtedly make him a key contender next season.
Abu Dhabi holds a complex history for Hamilton, as it has been the site of both triumphs and heartbreak. While he has claimed five victories at the Yas Marina Circuit, the venue has also witnessed some of the most challenging moments of his career, including the dramatic conclusion to the 2021 season where Max Verstappen claimed the title, and the tense 2016 finale where Nico Rosberg edged him out to win the championship before retiring. As Hamilton gears up for his Ferrari debut in 2025, he’ll be aiming to create new positive memories on this track while leaving behind the emotional scars of the past.
However, before he can fully focus on his future with Ferrari, Hamilton must address some persistent issues. His qualifying performances have raised concerns, particularly as he continues to grapple with the nuances of the current generation of ground-effect cars. Adapting to a new environment and machinery at Ferrari will present its own set of challenges, especially when paired with a strong teammate like Charles Leclerc.
F1 commentator Alex Jacques, speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast, highlighted a potential advantage Ferrari might gain from the struggles of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion. The award-winning sports commentator and broadcaster suggested that Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation curve could provide an unexpected boost to the team dynamic, especially for Charles Leclerc, as they navigate the 2025 Formula 1 season together. Alex Jacques was asked whether Ferrari might be worried about the signs of Lewis Hamilton’s difficulties at Mercedes and offered an intriguing perspective on the situation: “No, for a couple of reasons. You’re getting a regulation reset in 2026. So if he just doesn’t get on with this type of car, there’s a brand new reg set and you can just run and run and run and just get him in the simulator and find a turn around.” – he explained
“Max Verstappen was asked about this early in the week. You never lose the core talent to win seven titles. So, age might mean a bit of depreciation, but I don’t think they’ll be concerned and the other thing is if he takes a year to get up to speed. One of the key things that’s going to decide the driver’s title next year is how they split the points. If Ferrari split the points 50-50 and McLaren split the points 60-40 either way, George Russell’s got a rookie teammate next year, we don’t know how Antonelli is going to do but Max Verstappen will be taking the lion’s share of points at Red Bull. So, no matter how quick that car is Max Verstappen will be taking the lion’s share of it. So, if Lewis takes a few races to get up to speed it kind of has an upside for Ferrari if Charlotte Leclerc can deliver.” – added the Formula 1 lead commentator for Channel 4 and F1TV and the voice of all F1 digital output.
Lewis Hamilton holds the title of the most successful driver in the history of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, boasting more wins at the Yas Marina Circuit than any other competitor. However, as the final race of the 2024 season approaches, his prospects of adding another victory to his record appear slim.
Max Verstappen, on the other hand, has the opportunity to tie Hamilton’s win tally in Abu Dhabi if he secures a fourth consecutive victory in the UAE desert. Yet, even Red Bull faces a tough challenge, as both McLaren and Ferrari seem to have an edge over the reigning champions heading into the weekend.
For Charles Leclerc, this race represents more than just personal pride—it’s a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s campaign to clinch their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008. To achieve this, Charles Leclerc must help the Scuderia overturn a daunting 21-point gap to McLaren. The task is made even more challenging by the strong form of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who have consistently delivered for McLaren throughout the season.
The Monegasque driver also has an additional incentive: making a powerful statement as the leader of Ferrari before Lewis Hamilton joins the team for 2025. Guiding Ferrari to a long-awaited title would solidify Leclerc’s position as a key figure in the team’s resurgence and set the tone for what promises to be an intense partnership with the seven-time world champion.
Next Formula 1 season will undoubtedly be a thrilling showdown between Charles Leclerc and the British driver, both eager to assert themselves as Ferrari’s top driver. For Lewis Hamilton, a strong debut with the Scuderia will be crucial, as expectations at Maranello are notoriously high. With the team and fans alike demanding success, Hamilton knows he cannot afford a slow start in what could be his final push for an eighth world title.
