Charles Leclerc endured a challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, finishing eighth in the Melbourne Grand Prix behind several midfield competitors. Despite being the fastest Ferrari driver throughout the weekend, his race was far from ideal as he struggled with tyre degradation and communication issues.

With Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari looming, Charles Leclerc was eager to make a strong impression, knowing scrutiny over his ability to compete with the seven-time world champion would be inevitable. Ferrari initially showed promising pace on Friday, hinting at a potential battle with McLaren. However, that performance faded as the weekend progressed, with Leclerc particularly suffering from severe graining on the Intermediate tyres, which compromised his race strategy.

Beyond the on-track struggles, Ferrari’s race-day communication also appeared to be a point of concern, leading to an unusual exchange between Charles Leclerc and his engineer, Bryan Bozzi.

Peter Windsor criticizes Charles Leclerc’s ‘uncalled for’ team radio remarks during Australian GP
Midway through the race, Leclerc radioed in to report what he believed to be a leak, stating that “a lot of water” was entering his cockpit. Bryan Bozzi quickly responded that it was likely coming from Leclerc’s drinks bottle, only for the Monégasque to sarcastically reply, “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”

While many fans found the exchange amusing and labeled it an ‘iconic’ moment between the Monegasque and his engineer, veteran F1 analyst and former Ferrari team manager Peter Windsor took a different view. Discussing the incident on the *Cameron CC* podcast, Peter Windsor suggested that Charles Leclerc’s remark was unnecessary, implying that the Ferrari driver may have been overly dismissive or frustrated in the moment.

With Ferrari looking to refine its race operations and maximize performance in 2025, both Charles Leclerc’s communication and the team’s overall coordination will be key areas to watch as the season unfolds.

Peter Windsor expressed his belief that Formula 1 drivers should avoid trying to outshine their engineers on live team radio during a Grand Prix. He suggested that any grievances or criticisms should be addressed privately in post-race debriefs rather than over the radio, where valuable airtime could be used for more important discussions.

Referring to Charles Leclerc’s exchange about water leaking from his drinks bottle, Windsor argued that a more constructive response would have been to ask whether anything could be done about it, rather than making a sarcastic remark. He implied that Leclerc’s reaction seemed more focused on generating social media attention rather than engaging in a meaningful conversation with his engineer.

Windsor also pointed out that Leclerc has a tendency to respond cynically in situations he finds frustrating, describing it as unnecessary. He suggested that such behavior undermines the work of engineers, as dismissive remarks can make it seem as though providing drivers with detailed information is a negative aspect of their job, when in reality, they are simply trying to assist the team.

Charles Leclerc Calls for Ferrari to Address Key Issues Ahead of Chinese GP

Charles Leclerc’s 2025 season opener did not go as planned, with the Ferrari driver struggling to make an impact in the Australian Grand Prix. His race was further complicated by a spin while battling with midfield contenders Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda, highlighting the challenges he faced throughout the weekend.

Despite the setback, Leclerc managed to secure eighth place, narrowly staying ahead of Oscar Piastri, who had overtaken Lewis Hamilton for ninth after the final restart. A bold move against Hamilton helped him create enough of a gap to hold position, but the overall performance left him looking for answers.

While acknowledging his own mistake in the race, Leclerc emphasized that Ferrari must analyze two key areas before heading to China. He believes the team’s strategic decisions played a major role in their inability to maintain a top-five position and is calling for a thorough review to prevent similar struggles in upcoming races.

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Ferrari is set to field one of the most thrilling driver pairings in Formula 1 history with the addition of Lewis Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season.

Lewis Hamilton, who is in pursuit of an unprecedented eighth drivers’ championship, has joined one of the most formidable teams in the sport in hopes of achieving his ambition. The Maranello team, having narrowly missed out on ending a 16-year championship drought by just 14 points last season, may now have the edge they need to secure a title, with the British driver potentially providing the final piece of the puzzle.

However, Ferrari faces a significant challenge in designing Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 car, having opted to abandon their previous car concept in favor of an entirely new design. This move comes ahead of the 2026 F1 regulations and, while risky in the short term, is a bold and strategic decision that underscores their commitment to making this season a success.

This new approach also presents a challenge for Charles Leclerc, who must adapt to the revamped machine while simultaneously dealing with the pressure of being alongside a seven-time world champion in the team. The dynamic within the garage is set to be fiercely competitive.

The last time Ferrari’s two drivers faced such close internal competition was during Charles Leclerc’s debut season in 2019, where, despite Hamilton securing his fifth championship that year, the Monegasque driver outqualified him by two pole positions.

Dutch former racing driver and broadcaster Giedo van der Garde believes Lewis Hamilton stands to gain valuable insights from his new teammate, particularly given that qualifying—traditionally a strength of the British driver—has sometimes been a weaker area for him compared to his younger teammate. Lewis Hamilton is already working to close this gap in his preparation, but one pre-season will not erase Charles Leclerc’s six years of Ferrari experience. The two drivers are expected to be evenly matched on track, and Peter Windsor dismisses any notion of Ferrari enforcing team orders after the Monaco Grand Prix as completely unfounded.

The former Ferrari and Williams team manager stated that he believed the idea was “absolutely nonsense” and expressed doubt that Ferrari would enforce such a measure. He suggested that if anyone, including Ferrari, claimed they would, they would be misleading people. He firmly dismissed the idea as “complete nonsense.”

The Formula 1 journalist further argued that it would be highly unlikely for the Maranello team to implement such a policy at Monaco, emphasizing that it didn’t make sense. He posed a hypothetical scenario in which Lewis won the first four Grands Prix, followed by an official announcement in Monaco naming him the team’s number one driver. He questioned whether this would mean that if Charles were about to win the British Grand Prix with Lewis in second and Lando in third, Charles would be expected to slow down in the final lap to allow Hamilton to take the victory. He expressed confidence that such a situation would not occur.

Piero Ferrari, the second and only living son of Enzo Ferrari, has suggested that Charles Leclerc may be facing a “generational issue” in his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton, highlighting the significant age gap of 12 years between the two Ferrari drivers. This difference in age translates to a wealth of experience and insight that Hamilton brings to the table, potentially putting Leclerc at a disadvantage.

Ferrari, however, sees the matchup between Leclerc and Hamilton as one where both drivers will possess distinct strengths, with each offering unique advantages in different areas. This dynamic has sparked excitement among fans, especially after Ferrari’s promotion that showcased Hamilton and Leclerc together for the first time, both wearing the iconic red Ferrari gear.

The buzz surrounding this pairing emphasizes the intense anticipation for the competition that is expected to unfold between the two, beginning at the Australian Grand Prix in March. Fans eagerly await the start of what promises to be a thrilling season, where the two drivers will go head-to-head.

Before the racing action kicks off, the duo will have their first opportunity to experience the SF-25 at the Fiorano test track on February 19. This will be followed by the official pre-season testing in Bahrain, which will take place just one week later, allowing both drivers to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the season opener.

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Peter Windsor’s rumors
Peter Windsor is a well-known figure in Formula 1, having divided his career between journalism and management. He worked for Williams as a team manager and also for Ferrari, heading the British base between 1989 and 1990. Now, the Briton runs a successful YouTube channel where he regularly shares his opinions and reveals behind-the-scenes insights from Formula 1.

Peter Windsor commented on Ferrari’s Barcelona test from last week, during which Lewis Hamilton had an accident: “At first glance, Lewis Hamilton’s first real test was not the best, as it ended with a heavy crash at the exit of the final corner. In my opinion, however, the test was actually very, very good for Lewis. The crash was not caused by an asphalt bump or anything like that. He feels comfortable within the team and in the car, even though the SF-23 was not Ferrari’s best creation and was a relatively difficult car.” – the former Ferrari manager pointed out.

The English journalist then elaborated on his thoughts: “In that car, Lewis Hamilton felt better than he has in the last two years at Mercedes. He liked the driving sensations and felt completely at one with the car. To me, the crash happened because he was already pushing to the limit. There’s no doubt that Lewis is already very fast and is doing an excellent job. The first test was promising, and Lewis Hamilton fans can be very optimistic about how things are going at the moment,” Peter Windsor concluded.

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As Ferrari enters the 2025 Formula 1 season, they are poised with their best opportunity in 15 years to contend for a championship, bolstered by one of the most promising driver lineups in the team’s history. The Scuderia will field a dynamic pairing of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton alongside Ferrari stalwart Charles Leclerc. With both drivers on board, Ferrari aims to challenge Red Bull and McLaren’s dominance at the top of the grid.

Lewis Hamilton’s debut season at Ferrari will be marked by a unique livery as the team embraces the excitement of having one of the sport’s greatest drivers join their ranks for only the second time in the team’s storied history. The team concluded the 2024 season with the second-fastest car, showing strong progress. If their winter development under team principal Fred Vasseur proves fruitful, Ferrari could emerge as genuine contenders right from the opening race in Australia. Unlike his time at Mercedes, Hamilton won’t face the same extreme car issues, as the Ferrari is expected to better complement his driving style.

This shift in car dynamics could potentially improve Lewis Hamilton’s results, helping to rectify the one-lap pace deficit he struggled with during the 2024 season alongside George Russell.

Peter Windsor Favors Charles Leclerc Over Lewis Hamilton for 2025 Title Challenge
Charles Leclerc, now entering his seventh season with Ferrari, has become deeply integrated within the team. Over the past six years, the Monegasque driver has built a strong relationship with Ferrari’s engineers and management, ensuring that the car and team environment have been designed with his preferences in mind.

This familiarity creates a challenging situation for Lewis Hamilton, as he arrives in a well-established environment tailored to his new teammate. The current Formula One journalist, and former Formula 1 team and sponsorship manager believes that Charles Leclerc’s deeper connection with the team and its development gives him a better chance to win the 2025 F1 title. Peter Windsor argues that, over the course of a demanding 24-race season, Charles Leclerc’s long-standing relationship with the Maranello team may provide him with an edge over Hamilton, despite the seven-time champion’s vast experience and talent.

Peter Windsor stated that he believed the ratio was correct, adding that Charles Leclerc had a much better chance of winning the championship over a long season compared to Lewis Hamilton. Windsor also expressed that he would give Leclerc a much higher chance than 17%, which he found to be unreasonable. He argued that when assessing the chances of a driver, like Lando Norris for example, it was clear that he would have a 85% chance of winning the championship in 2025. He further suggested that Oscar Piastri’s chances stood at 84%, explaining that this was the way he approached evaluating the situation.

Why Lewis Hamilton Could Defy Expectations and Capture the 2025 F1 Championship

After enduring three challenging seasons where he often found himself battling in the midfield, Lewis Hamilton is primed and motivated to make a bold push for a record eighth Drivers’ Championship in 2025. The hunger for victory and redemption will fuel his determination, and he’s prepared to fight harder than ever for the ultimate prize.

Hamilton’s toughest rivals for the title will likely be Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, and reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who is aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive championship. Verstappen’s current streak began with a fierce rivalry against Hamilton in 2021, where the two engaged in a dramatic battle throughout the season, culminating in a controversial final lap overtaking move at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

While Verstappen has continued to dominate the sport since that epic showdown, Hamilton’s fight with him remains unfinished, making the British driver an even more formidable adversary. The emotional impact of that near-miss, combined with Hamilton’s relentless drive, means he enters the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose.

For Lewis Hamilton, the idea of clinching that elusive eighth title would serve as both the ultimate redemption and the perfect conclusion to his illustrious career. Winning the championship with Ferrari would be the crowning achievement of his already legendary F1 journey, offering him the chance to close the chapter with a spectacular comeback. If he’s placed in the right car—a car that aligns with his skillset—it remains very much within the realm of possibility for Hamilton to achieve the unthinkable and silence his critics once and for all.

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The seven-time world champion is set to join the iconic Maranello team alongside Charles Leclerc after a remarkable 12-year stint at Mercedes. Since his arrival from McLaren in 2013, Hamilton has cemented his place in F1 lore by winning six world titles with the Silver Arrows and spearheading the team’s unprecedented dominance, capturing eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships between 2014 and 2021. His final race for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a masterclass in perseverance, with Hamilton charging from P16 to an impressive fourth-place finish.

Lewis Hamilton’s new contract with Ferrari reportedly carries a base salary of £39 million per year, potentially escalating to £83 million with performance-related bonuses. The deal extends through the 2026 season, with an option for a one-year extension. The move unites the sport’s most statistically successful driver with its most illustrious team, creating a partnership loaded with potential and expectation.

While the sight of Hamilton in Ferrari red will undoubtedly captivate the racing world, not everyone agrees on the motivations behind the signing. Motorsport analyst and former Ferrari general manager Peter Windsor has expressed skepticism over the idea that commercial considerations played a significant role in Ferrari’s decision.

Lewis Hamilton will take the seat currently held by Carlos Sainz, who was aware of his departure from Ferrari well before the SF-24 even hit the track in February. Carlos Sainz has since secured a multi-year deal to join Williams in 2025.

Many view Lewis Hamilton’s arrival as an opportunity for Ferrari to bolster its global brand by pairing its storied legacy with the prestige of a seven-time world champion. However, Windsor believes the team’s focus remains firmly on securing competitive results, arguing that Ferrari would be equally satisfied from a commercial perspective if either of their drivers were to deliver a championship victory. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Peter Windsor downplayed the notion of marketing motivations, emphasizing the team’s commitment to success on the track above all else.

“I think [there are] a lot of commercial reasons for Charles Leclerc to win the championship as well, from a Ferrari perspective, and I think they’d be very happy with either of them. I think, yes, Sir Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is a big thing. I’m not sure it was the reason that they hired him, commercial reasons. I think there’s a bit of Freddy Vasseur and history going back to ART and I think there’s also, he’s just so good and well-rounded and he’s at the right stage in his career to be right there with Charles. In other words I don’t think it was: ‘Well we really want Carlos Sainz, he’s definitely a great racing driver but we’re going to make a lot more money if we have Lewis Hamilton.’ I don’t think there was that much thinking along those lines, from what I gather.” – the former Ferrari general manager pointed out.

The prospect of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari has undoubtedly generated immense excitement, but there are also concerns regarding how the legendary driver will fare against Charles Leclerc in this new chapter of his career. While Hamilton is expected to take the preferred right side of the garage, he will face a significant adjustment period as he acclimates to his new team, new colleagues, and the nuances of the Italian team’s operations, including the language barrier.

Adding complexity to the situation is Lewis Hamilton’s recent form, which has been less than stellar. His final season with Mercedes saw him finish seventh in the Drivers’ Championship standings, marking his lowest-ever position in Formula 1. Moreover, Lewis Hamilton has been struggling in qualifying, with a series of poor Saturday performances undermining his race-day results. This decline in form raises questions about his ability to compete with Charles Leclerc, who has firmly established himself as a key figure at Ferrari.

Nico Rosberg, a former teammate of the British driver at Mercedes, has expressed his belief that Hamilton will be “very worried” about transferring his form from Mercedes to Ferrari. Nico Rosberg pointed out that Charles Leclerc, already a dominant figure within Ferrari and one of the best drivers over a single lap, poses a significant challenge for Hamilton, especially in the qualifying sessions where he has faltered in recent seasons.

However, not everyone shares this concern. Guenther Steiner, the team principal of Haas F1, has suggested that the challenge posed by Charles Leclerc could be exactly what Hamilton needs to reignite his career. Steiner believes that facing a driver as formidable as Leclerc might provide the motivation Hamilton needs to rediscover his peak form. The intense competition could push Lewis Hamilton to new heights, allowing him to return to the level of performance that has made him one of the most successful drivers in F1 history.

This dynamic presents an intriguing scenario for Ferrari as they aim to pair their experienced and globally renowned driver with their young star. It will be fascinating to see whether Lewis Hamilton can rise to the challenge and use Charles Leclerc’s strength as a catalyst for a resurgence in his own career, or if the pressure will prove too much for the 39-year-old in this fresh environment.

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The Qatar Grand Prix last year became infamous for its grueling conditions and oppressive heat, which pushed drivers to their limits.

Logan Sargeant, for instance, became so unwell that he had to retire from the race for safety reasons. In response, Formula 1 opted to move the event to a cooler time of year this season.

Despite the scheduling adjustment, which made the race less physically punishing, Ferrari still managed to put Charles Leclerc through an unnecessary challenge due to a careless oversight at the 5.419-kilometre Lusail International Circuit.

Peter Windsor calls out Ferrari for ‘odd’ mistake at Qatar Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc faced the grueling conditions of this year’s race without access to his drink system, thanks to an error during its setup. While such a misstep might have been disastrous last year, the cooler conditions allowed him to persevere, clinching a podium finish and securing valuable points for Ferrari in their constructors’ championship fight.

However, Peter Windsor didn’t hold back in his criticism of Ferrari, describing the mistake as “bizarre” and emphasizing that such errors simply shouldn’t occur at this level of motorsport: “He couldn’t get his drink bottle to work, there’s something to do with a clip under the balaclava for it,” he pointed out. You think they would have sorted all that out long before they get in the racecar, wouldn’t you? He was going on about how it’s a double-fastening, and they’ve got to make the single-fastening. Why aren’t they doing that stuff at Fiorano or somewhere? It seems bizarre to me that that would be a problem.”

Charles Leclerc faces a monumental challenge in Abu Dhabi as Ferrari’s season hinges on a miracle
The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the battle to end a 16-year championship drought will be decided between McLaren and Ferrari.

McLaren holds a 21-point advantage heading into the final race, leaving Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz with the daunting task of delivering a flawless performance. A one-two finish would close the gap, but McLaren’s pace advantage in Qatar—and similar track conditions expected in Abu Dhabi—could make that a tall order.

This time, Charles Leclerc should have a functioning drinks system, which will make the physically demanding race more manageable. However, his real focus will be on achieving a victory that could define his tenure at Ferrari and finally bring home the glory he’s sought since joining the team.

Adding to the tension is the likelihood of an intense head-to-head showdown with McLaren, while Max Verstappen, unburdened by championship stakes, lurks as a wildcard ready to disrupt their plans. It promises to be a fiercely contested and high-stakes finale.

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Carlos Sainz has every reason to feel aggrieved by Ferrari’s decision not to renew his contract. Even with a driver as legendary as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton available, Carlos Sainz believed he had earned the right to stay with the team.

This season has only reinforced that belief. Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz sits two places and 51 points ahead of Hamilton in the championship standings.

While much of this can be attributed to Ferrari’s edge over Mercedes this year, the more telling comparison lies in their performances relative to their teammates. Hamilton trails George Russell by nine points and has only outperformed him in 11 Grands Prix this season. In contrast, Carlos Sainz has defeated Charles Leclerc in 15 Grands Prix and could close the season within three of his teammate in both qualifying and race-day head-to-heads (currently 13-8 and 12-7).

Carlos Sainz has delivered yet another impressive campaign, but now faces the prospect of moving from Ferrari to Williams, a team battling at the lower end of the grid. Adding to his frustration, he’s had to watch Hamilton endure one of the toughest seasons of his career.

Peter Windsor puzzled by Carlos Sainz’s fire compared to Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Qatar GP
Carlos Sainz’s determination was on full display during Sprint qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, where he clocked the fourth-fastest lap, narrowly edging out Charles Leclerc. In contrast, Hamilton struggled, finishing four-tenths slower than George Russell and qualifying seventh, while his teammate secured a spot on the front row alongside Lando Norris.

Reflecting on this disparity, Peter Windsor noted on his YouTube channel that Hamilton’s performance suggests he may have “mentally signed off.” Peter Windsor expressed confusion as to why the 39-year-old seems to lack drive, especially with a move to another top team on the horizon. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz continues to fight relentlessly, despite knowing that next season will likely see him out of podium contention and competing for scraps in the midfield. He has outqualified Charles Leclerc recently and even claimed victory in Mexico City just last month, proving his unwavering determination.

“Maybe it’s Lewis kind of signed off mentally,” the former Ferrari general manager said. “But it’s interesting to compare [him to] Carlos Sainz, who in theory should be signing off mentally – Ferrari have basically sacked him after a very good year with the Scuderia, and he’s driving for Williams next year, which is not the same as going to another frontrunning team in the way Lewis is. And yet it’s interesting the way Carlos has approached these last three races, outqualifying his teammate, winning races, looking really good. Whereas Lewis Hamilton on the other side of the defence looks quite defeated at the moment.” – Peter Windsor added.

What Lewis Hamilton’s ‘darkest fears’ might be telling him as Mercedes chapter ends
Carlos Sainz, despite his imminent move to Williams, harbors hopes of one day returning to Ferrari. His new contract with the struggling team is long-term, but it includes an option to leave at the end of 2026, potentially aligning with future opportunities at Maranello.

This timing coincides intriguingly with the structure of Hamilton’s Ferrari deal, which is initially set for two years with a mutual option for a third. Whether that third season materializes could hinge on Hamilton’s ability to dispel doubts about his current form and resilience.

According to BBC Sport’s Andrew Benson, the seven-time Formula1 world champion might be grappling with some of his ‘darkest fears’ as he prepares to leave Mercedes. He’s likely questioning whether his recent struggles stem from his own performance or the limitations of the car.

A particularly puzzling element has been Hamilton’s complaints about rear instability, a trait he once famously mastered during his career. Historically renowned for his skill in handling oversteer, it raises questions about whether the unique demands of this generation of Formula 1 cars have muted some of the talents that set him apart as a legend of the sport.

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The tension unfolded when Ferrari instructed the future Williams driver to maintain position behind Leclerc after their final pit stops. However,  Carlos Sainz disregarded the directive, overtaking his teammate to claim the spot at the 6.2-kilometre Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Nevada.

Earlier in the race, Carlos Sainz had allowed Charles Leclerc to pass just before making his own pit stop. However, a miscommunication from his engineer delayed his stop, as the Ferrari pit crew was not prepared. This forced Carlos Sainz to stay out for an additional lap before finally pitting. When he returned to the track with fresher tires, he rejoined behind Leclerc but quickly used his advantage to launch an aggressive attack and overtake his teammate.

After the race, Charles Leclerc unleashed a fiery, expletive-filled tirade over the radio to his engineer, Bryan Bozzi. In his outburst, Charles Leclerc criticized himself for being too accommodating and hinted at dissatisfaction with the team’s handling of the situation.

Analyzing the drama on his latest livestream, Peter Windsor offered insights into Leclerc’s frustration and why the Monegasque vented so strongly to his team after the race.

Peter Windsor on Charles Leclerc’s Emotional Outburst

According to Windsor, the incident underscores the emotional toll that high-stakes racing and internal team dynamics can impose. Despite Ferrari’s strategic improvements this season, driven by Frederic Vasseur’s leadership and backroom changes, the Las Vegas Grand Prix revealed lingering issues that require attention.

Charles Leclerc’s loss of a podium, particularly after showing strong pace earlier in the race and even challenging George Russell for the win, was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow. Former Ferrari general manager Peter Windsor suggested that Charles Leclerc’s outburst stemmed from mounting frustration—not necessarily aimed directly at Carlos Sainz or the team—but at the broader circumstances that left him feeling undermined and powerless in a crucial moment.

“What was that all about? I think he felt that at one point he had given position to Carlos and it hadn’t really paid off, and maybe he should’ve got the position back in the end. But that would have detracted from Carlos’ performance, he deserved that P3 because he drove really well” – the Formula One journalist, and former Formula One team and sponsorship manager pointed out at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix – “If you take a broader view, I think that’s more that things aren’t quite going the way at Ferrari that Charles would like them to go. Really, with Sainz the unloved driver who is being told to leave, at this stage Charles should be the key number one driver. With Carlos winning Mexico and then Las Vegas, it’s just a build-up of emotion and this isn’t how it’s supposed to be.” – he added.

Charles Leclerc Loses Ground to Lando Norris in Drivers’ Championship Battle

Charles Leclerc’s frustration following the Las Vegas Grand Prix will likely be amplified by the realization that losing position to teammate Carlos Sainz cost him valuable points in his fight with Lando Norris for second place in the Drivers’ Championship.

The gap between Leclerc and Norris now stands at 21 points heading into the final two races of the season. Had Leclerc retained his position ahead of Sainz, the deficit would have been reduced to 18 points, providing a more favorable outlook for the Monegasque driver as the championship draws to a close.

Charles Leclerc will be eyeing strong performances at the upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi—two circuits where Ferrari has historically shown competitive pace. Both tracks offer opportunities for the Scuderia to capitalize on their strengths, potentially enabling Charles Leclerc to close the gap to Lando Norris. However, Ferrari will also have one eye on the Constructors’ Championship, where their battle with Red Bull remains tight.

The Italian team currently holds second place in the standings, leading Red Bull by a slim 29-point margin. This advantage has been bolstered by inconsistent performances from Sergio Perez, whose struggles since the summer break have seen Red Bull drop critical points. Nevertheless, Ferrari cannot afford to let their guard down as the season finale approaches.

For Charles Leclerc, the dual focus on individual and team goals adds to the stakes. While he will be pushing to outscore Lando Norris in their personal duel, his efforts must also align with Ferrari’s broader objective of securing their position as the second-best team on the grid. Balancing these priorities will be crucial as Ferrari heads into the final stages of an intensely competitive 2024 Formula 1 season.

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Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari marks a seismic shift in the world of motorsport. The seven-time World Champion is set to join Formula 1’s most storied team, stepping away from a long and successful partnership with Mercedes.

The British driver has spent the majority of his career powered by Mercedes engines, first during his tenure at McLaren and later with the works team, where he secured six of his seven drivers’ titles.

Initially, rumors of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari were dismissed as baseless speculation. However, the narrative changed following a lackluster 2023 Formula 1 season. Despite extending his Mercedes contract through 2026, Lewis Hamilton exercised a break clause, allowing him to part ways and sign with Ferrari.

While the British driver will officially race for Ferrari in 2025, he is required to fulfill a sponsorship obligation for Mercedes at the conclusion of the 2024 season. This means his debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari will not occur until pre-season testing in early 2025. Commenting on the move during a YouTube livestream, F1 analyst and former Ferrari general manager Peter Windsor predicted Lewis Hamilton will face a barrage of tough questions, especially if Mercedes shows strong form during testing.

Peter Windsor Foresees Scrutiny for Lewis Hamilton in 2025

Windsor anticipates Lewis Hamilton will be repeatedly questioned about the wisdom of his decision to join Ferrari, particularly if Mercedes demonstrates competitive pace ahead of the 2025 season. These questions will likely revolve around whether the switch to Maranello is the right step for Hamilton in his quest for an elusive eighth World Championship title.

Can Ferrari Deliver Championship Success in 2025?

Ferrari enters this new era with cautious optimism. Despite a slow start to 2024, the team has made steady progress, with their technical department undergoing significant restructuring aimed at sustained success.

Though the team hasn’t claimed a Drivers’ Championship since 2007, Ferrari has reestablished itself as a race-winning contender and a consistent top-three finisher in the Constructors’ standings.

Lewis Hamilton isn’t the only high-profile acquisition for the Scuderia. Loic Serra, Mercedes’ former head of vehicle dynamics, has joined Ferrari along with several other key engineers. Their expertise is expected to help Ferrari address persistent issues with their car concept.

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete for titles, citing the success of recent upgrades that delivered strong performances at Monza, Azerbaijan, and Mexico City.

Lewis Hamilton’s move represents a bold new chapter for both the driver and Ferrari, but whether it will yield the ultimate prize remains the burning question as the 2025 season approaches.

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Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes, and Alpine are currently the only three full-fledged manufacturer teams in Formula 1, producing both their engines and chassis in-house. However, Alpine is set to lose that status, as they plan to shut down their F1 engine division at Viry, with Renault chief executive officer Luca de Meo negotiating a partnership to source engines from Mercedes starting in the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, when the series will introduce the new generation of single-seater.

Meanwhile, Cadillac has acquired Alpine’s engine IP as part of their bid to enter F1 with Andretti, aiming to prove their competitiveness to the existing teams. McLaren, leaders in the current constructors’ championship, have been Mercedes engine customers since 2021, following a difficult period with Honda and a short-lived partnership with Renault. Honda, having enjoyed success with Red Bull by securing three consecutive drivers’ titles, will switch alliances to Aston Martin in 2026.

Red Bull, under the guidance of Christian Horner, will build their own power units for the new 2026 regulations, in collaboration with Ford, and will also supply their junior team. Other teams, like Williams, remain loyal to Mercedes power, while Sauber will end their Ferrari relationship as they transition to the Audi works team.

Haas is in a distinct position. They will continue using Ferrari engines through 2028 but have recently unveiled a technical partnership with Toyota. This deal grants them access to Toyota’s resources and personnel, adding to their ongoing collaboration with Dallara, who have constructed Haas’ chassis since 2016.

Formula 1 journalist and ex-Ferrari team insider Peter Windsor raised concerns on his official YouTube account, calling for rival teams to pressure the FIA to investigate. The former Formula One team and sponsorship manager implied that Haas’ business model, particularly in light of the Toyota partnership, could be seen as undermining the intent of the current rules. The Formula 1 journalist explained: “It’s pretty scary. I’m pretty surprised that more of the other midfield teams around Haas aren’t complaining to the FIA about this.” – he added – “Here’s Haas, which are basically just a race team with a design office, using Toyota and Dallara for manufacturing, and Ferrari for power units and powertrains. So if I was Williams doing all this single-handedly if you like, I’d be saying ‘let’s get back to what we’re supposed to be doing in these regulations’. To me, Formula 1 needs to look at that. I don’t in any way wish ill for Haas. I don’t at all. But I do think it’s odd.” – he pointed out.

Toyota could soon have their drivers in Haas cars, initially participating in testing or FP1 sessions. For Toyota to influence the full-time driver lineup, their involvement with the team would need to deepen—a scenario not unlike Mercedes loaning George Russell to Williams or Ferrari-backed Oliver Bearman racing for Haas.

A recent report suggests Toyota may eventually buy Haas, re-entering Formula 1 as a manufacturer after their 2009 exit. This move would likely eliminate any concerns about regulatory gray areas and compliance.

Such a development would create a formidable new competitor for teams like Red Bull and Williams, both of whom currently sit near Haas in the standings. Last year, Forbes valued Gene Haas’ team at £690 million, adding weight to speculation about a potential buyout.

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