Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello is not just a top-tier technical addition but also a true cultural shift within the Scuderia. Jean Alesi emphasized this in an interview with *Speedweek*.

Lewis Hamilton’s Impact: A Cultural Shock for Ferrari
Carlos Sainz’s departure after four seasons alongside Charles Leclerc surprised many, and Jean Alesi himself admitted he was taken aback by the announcement of Hamilton joining Ferrari. The former French driver described this transition as “a cultural shock” for the Italian team, highlighting how the arrival of a champion of such caliber has influenced the atmosphere at Maranello.

“I love the fact that Hamilton is in a Ferrari. Most fans support him, and I’m one of them. I believe he has what it takes to succeed in this venture. This new chapter is incredibly exciting for both him and Ferrari,” said the Italo-Frenchman. “I still know many people inside the Scuderia, and everyone has been impressed by his charisma and the way he introduced himself to the team.”

Ferrari – Charles Leclerc Ready for the Challenge with Lewis Hamilton
While acknowledging the achievements of both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Jean Alesi believes Lewis Hamilton’s arrival represents an opportunity for the Monegasque to grow. Leclerc himself has expressed excitement about the Briton’s arrival, emphasizing his willingness to learn from a driver with such vast experience.

“Charles will become even more competitive with a driver like Hamilton by his side. Lewis will give him extra motivation,” Jean Alesi explained. “In Formula 1, being fast isn’t enough—you have to be mentally strong. I am convinced Leclerc will pass this test successfully.” – the Frenchman pointed out.

Jean Alesi, who knows the Ferrari environment better than most after his five seasons in red, sees significant benefits in bringing in such an experienced and decorated champion. With just five days until the first lights go out, it won’t be long before we find out whether Maranello has hit the mark.

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Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari has generated widespread enthusiasm, as the seven-time World Champion embarks on his quest to secure an unprecedented eighth title with the Scuderia.

In the past few weeks, Lewis Hamilton has been immersing himself in the world of Ferrari, getting acquainted with the inner workings of the iconic Maranello team. He recently participated in the F1 75 event, where Ferrari unveiled its 2025 livery in front of a live crowd of 16,000 fans, with millions more tuning in globally via online broadcasts.

During this high-profile event, Lewis Hamilton was asked about his experience of driving for Ferrari, responding succinctly with a one-word answer, as he absorbed the excitement surrounding the new season. However, beyond the spectacle, the British driver has been focused on the demanding task of integrating himself with the team. Hamilton has been putting in considerable effort behind the scenes, taking part in extensive tests at both Fiorano and Barcelona, all with the goal of establishing a strong connection with Ferrari’s engineering and technical teams.

Lewis Hamilton’s engineering team includes Riccardo Adami, a seasoned engineer who previously worked with Sebastian Vettel during his championship years. It’s clear that Lewis Hamilton’s commitment to understanding Ferrari’s culture and technical approach is paying off. According to former F1 driver Jean Alesi, who spoke to Sky Sports, Ferrari insiders have been consistently impressed by the British driver’s performance and attitude.

Jean Alesi, who raced for Ferrari from 1991 to 1995, securing 15 podium finishes and one victory during his tenure, shared his insights into what those within the team are saying about Hamilton. The French driver emphasized that, despite Hamilton admitting that his initial weeks at Ferrari had been “tough” but rewarding, the team has been deeply impressed by his work ethic and the way he has handled the transition.

Having been a part of the Ferrari family himself, Jean Alesi is uniquely positioned to understand the dynamics at play, and his observations reflect the respect and admiration Lewis Hamilton has already earned from those at Maranello. As The seven-time Formula 1 world champion continues to adapt and refine his relationship with the team, it’s clear that his presence has already made a positive impact on the Scuderia.

The Frenchman mentioned that people within Ferrari were highly impressed by Lewis Hamilton. He explained that The British driver’s presence made a significant impact, noting that the way he presented himself to the team was remarkable. Jean Alesi highlighted that it was a cultural shock to have such a champion within the team, though he acknowledged the contributions of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, adding that, so far, Hamilton had impressed everyone.

The Ferrari SF-25 has undergone a key technical modification aimed at benefiting Lewis Hamilton as he settles into his new role with the team. This week, the SF-25 was unveiled in full at Fiorano, with Hamilton behind the wheel for the first time, marking an important step in his transition to Ferrari.

One of the most notable changes to the SF-25 is the introduction of a pullrod front suspension, a design alteration spearheaded by Loic Serra, a former Mercedes engineer who joined Ferrari last year. This modification is part of a broader update to the car’s suspension system, which aims to improve its overall performance.

The new suspension setup is expected to provide Ferrari with greater flexibility in fine-tuning the car’s ride height, a critical aspect of optimizing performance on different circuits. Additionally, the pullrod design is set to offer significant aerodynamic advantages, which could further enhance the car’s stability and efficiency.

For Hamilton, who faced considerable challenges at Mercedes last season due to inconsistencies with ride height configurations, this change is particularly promising. The updated suspension is likely to help him adapt more quickly to the car and enable him to extract the maximum performance, improving his chances of success in the upcoming season.

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Undoubtedly, the impact of a potential eighth career title for Lewis Hamilton, achieved behind the wheel of a car from Maranello, would be monumental. According to former driver Jean Alesi—who remains a beloved figure among Ferrari fans despite being part of some of the team’s most challenging seasons—winning a championship with Ferrari would make Lewis Hamilton “a hero forever.”

Jean Alesi’s Prediction
“He has nothing left to prove with another team,” Jean Alesi said, referring to Lewis Hamilton’s career during an interview with the Dutch website *F1 Maximaal*. “But driving for Ferrari could change his life, even though his life is already that of a champion of champions. Winning with Ferrari would make him a hero forever.”

On the path to a potential World Championship victory, Lewis Hamilton’s first rival would undoubtedly be his teammate, Charles Leclerc.

“Who will come out on top between the two? It’s hard to predict,” the Frenchman admitted. “Hamilton is excellent at managing tires and reading traffic. We can say he has experience, but I don’t think it’s just a matter of experience. He has a unique feel for the car and is incredibly strong in terms of race pace. Charles, on the other hand, is very strong in qualifying, and of course, starting position on the grid is always crucial. It will be fascinating to see how things unfold between these two,” Jean Alesi concluded.

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The Monegasque driver firmly established himself as Ferrari’s lead competitor in 2024, securing three pole positions and three race victories. Leclerc ultimately finished third in the Drivers’ Championship, narrowly missing out on second to Lando Norris, but still ending the season 66 points clear of his Ferrari teammate, Carlos Sainz.

As the 27-year-old prepares for 2025, he is widely regarded as a top contender for the championship, thanks to Ferrari’s improved performance and his exceptional racecraft demonstrated throughout the 2024 season. A strong faction of fans argues that Charles Leclerc has proven himself superior to Norris – widely considered the title favorite by many analysts – after outperforming the Brit in the first and final eight races of last season.

However, the Monegasque will now face a new dynamic within the team as Carlos Sainz departs for Williams after four years alongside the Italian squad. Reflecting on their partnership, Charles Leclerc shared a heartfelt message to his now former Maranello teammate, expressing gratitude for their time together at Ferrari. Yet, as one chapter closes, a far more intimidating one begins, with Lewis Hamilton donning Ferrari red after 12 years with Mercedes.

Charles Leclerc’s bid to maintain his status as Ferrari’s lead driver in 2025 comes with the significant challenge of competing against Hamilton, who brings unparalleled experience and a wealth of accolades to the team.

The Weight of Facing Hamilton: Experience and Popularity
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari marks a historic moment, as the Scuderia will have had both of Formula 1’s seven-time world champions drive for the team – the other being the legendary Michael Schumacher. The Briton has made it clear he is eager to begin his journey with Ferrari, looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season where he finished seventh in the standings – the lowest placement of his illustrious career.

Despite Lewis Hamilton’s dip in form, Charles Leclerc will not underestimate the challenge ahead. Hamilton’s pedigree is unmatched, boasting 105 career wins and unparalleled racecraft, even as he struggled in qualifying sessions last year. Moreover, the Briton’s arrival has already galvanized Ferrari’s fanbase, evidenced by record ticket demand for the Italian Grand Prix following the announcement of his move.

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, who signed for the Italian side in 1991 to partner Alain Prost, scoring several podiums across five years before taking his only race win at the Canadian Grand Prix three decades ago, believes the Monegasque driver will find it “difficult” to handle Lewis Hamilton’s presence, not just because of his racing acumen but also due to his immense popularity and influence. The global star power Lewis Hamilton brings to Ferrari will undoubtedly create additional pressure for Charles Leclerc, who has been the team’s main focus since joining in 2019.

As the 2025 Formula 1 campaign approaches, the intra-team battle at Ferrari promises to be one of the most compelling narratives. Charles Leclerc will be eager to prove that he can rise to the occasion, but with the British driver’s sights set on claiming an eighth world title, the competition between the two will undoubtedly be fierce: “From Charles’ side, he has everything to gain in my opinion. It is obvious that coming with his notoriety, his popularity, it will be difficult even for Charles”, the French former racing driver, who competed in Formula 1 between 1989 and 2001 said in an interview for the flagship television newscast produced by Rai 1.

Who Will Ferrari Favor: Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc in 2025?

On paper, Charles Leclerc appears to have the upper hand over Lewis Hamilton heading into the 2025 season, particularly when considering Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying during 2024. The Briton failed to advance to Q3 on six occasions and managed to secure a front-row start only once throughout the entire season. These difficulties have led many to speculate that Charles Leclerc, known for his exceptional single-lap pace, should have the edge over his new teammate.

Hamilton has been candid with Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur about his qualifying challenges, emphasizing the need to resolve these issues if he hopes to contend with Leclerc on equal footing. Improving his Saturday performance will be critical for the British driver, as consistent front-row starts are often the foundation for fighting at the sharp end of the grid.

Despite his qualifying woes, Lewis Hamilton demonstrated in 2024 that he remains a formidable competitor capable of race wins and championship-caliber drives. His victory at Silverstone showcased his ability to capitalize on key moments, while his spectacular charge from 16th to 4th in Abu Dhabi reminded fans of the racecraft that has earned him seven world championships.

As the 2025 season looms, the question on everyone’s mind is which of Ferrari’s two star drivers will receive preferential treatment in their quest for the title. With both drivers bringing immense talent and experience, the dynamic within the team will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining their championship fortunes.

Equal Treatment or Contractual Advantage?
Ferrari has stated that Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will begin the season on equal footing, with the freedom to race each other on track. This approach aligns with the Scuderia’s commitment to fostering internal competition, but it may also reflect a specific clause in Lewis Hamilton’s contract. Rumors suggest that the Brit may have negotiated terms to prevent the implementation of team orders that could hinder his chances of establishing himself within the team. If true, this would give the seven-time F1 world champion a level of autonomy as he seeks to make a significant impact at Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, has been a cornerstone of Ferrari since 2019, earning the loyalty of the team and its fanbase through years of dedicated service and standout performances. His familiarity with Ferrari’s operations and personnel may provide him with a slight advantage in adapting to any challenges the 2025 season presents. However, Lewis Hamilton’s vast experience and proven ability to integrate seamlessly into new teams—evident from his transition to Mercedes in 2013—cannot be underestimated.

The dynamic between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton is poised to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the season. While Ferrari’s intention to treat both drivers equally seems clear, the natural competitiveness between two world-class talents could test this policy as the season unfolds. Whether through pure performance, strategic brilliance, or contractual nuances, the question of favoritism may ultimately be decided not by the team, but by the drivers themselves.

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The former Ferrari driver, who raced for the Maranello team between 1991 and 1995, believes that the Frenchman is laying the foundations for a new era of success, following the golden period of Michael Schumacher.

The Kaiser replaced Jean Alesi at Ferrari. Michael Schumacher and then-Team Principal Jean Todt created an era of dominance that saw them win five drivers’ titles and six constructors’ titles consecutively between 1999 and 2004.

“Fred Vasseur is doing a good job in giving consistency to this Ferrari,” says Jean Alesi in a recent interview for Motorsport.com. “I have the impression that he is repeating the extraordinary work that Jean Todt did when he arrived in Maranello, building a team that then led to the Schumacher era.”

A winning team does not change: the former French driver believes that Frederic Vasseur’s men can build a powerful power unit in view of the new regulations that will come into force in 2026.

“The team is already competitive,” he continues, and it can have the support of a valuable ally in the race for the title. There are still sixteen races to go and “Ferrari seems to be growing. And then there is also an important ally that can help beat Red Bull, and I’m talking about McLaren.”

The Woking team is currently closer to Red Bull in terms of performance. However, Ferrari is 68 points ahead in the constructors’ fight. Moreover, Charles Leclerc is 24 points behind the world championship leader, Max Verstappen.

Jean Alesi is confident: with two victories, Ferrari is ready to fight Red Bull, which currently appears vulnerable.

“Ferrari had already won in Melbourne with [Carlos] Sainz. Now Charles [Leclerc] will find the motivation to continue doing well,” added the Frenchman to Motorsport. “I feel that Red Bull without Adrian Newey is a bit like La Scala orchestra without a conductor. I don’t need to add anything else.”

Source: f1ingenerale

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Jean Alesi raced five championships for the Maranello team (from 1991 to 1995) and collected the historic victory in the 1995 Canadian GP with the Ferrari 412 T2, the only one in 201 GPs contested. Should we consider Ferrari’s victory in Monte Carlo a victory on an atypical circuit, as many claim, or is it the start of something positive?

“I believe that we are at the beginning of a new Ferrari cycle – explains Jean Alesi – Fred Vasseur is working well to give consistency to this Ferrari. It seems to me that he is repeating the extraordinary work that Jean Todt had done when he arrived in Maranello, building a team that then gave life to the Schumacher era. I hope that the Prancing Horse engineers will be able to create a competitive power unit for the new regulations that will come into force in 2026.”

Should we expect a world championship Ferrari from 2026 as president John Elkann was saying?
“No, the team is already competitive now.”

To fight in the Constructors’ World Championship?
“Not only that. There are still 16 Grands Prix on the calendar and Ferrari seems to be making a great recovery. And then there is also an important ally that can be useful in defeating Red Bull and I’m referring to McLaren”.

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Can Charles Leclerc aspire to world championship dreams after his home victory in the Principality?
“Ferrari had already won in Melbourne with Carlos Sainz and Charles will now find that motivation to continue doing well.”

Red Bull is in trouble. Can it be at the beginning of the end of a cycle?
“My feeling is that without Adrian Newey Red Bull is like the La Scala orchestra without the conductor. There is no need to say anything else…”.

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At the moment, everything is within the bounds of competition, so nothing alarming.

The delicate issues lie elsewhere, as former Scuderia Ferrari driver Jean Alesi emphasized in his recent article for the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera: “In China, we got a sense of the difficulties Ferrari is facing at this stage of the Championship. Quite a few, if we consider the qualifying and Gran Prix data. The points obtained, therefore, I believe are valuable aiming to secure the second final position, considering McLaren’s progress and Red Bull’s invulnerability.” – the Frenchman explained.

“The car needs improvement, and so does communication. It’s a topic for Fred Vasseur since the presentation of the 2023 car when there was talk of a phenomenal machine: the discussions before and after the races must reflect reality and be in line with the results achieved on the track. Another issue emerged in China that, in my opinion, requires clarity. I’m referring to the relationship between the two Ferrari drivers. Carlos Sainz is a true gentleman; I’m certain he will never do anything against the team. But he understandably needs to play every card he has, and he’s in a position to do so. On the other hand, Charles Leclerc must give his all to assert himself in the role of leader, and when he finds himself behind Carlos, he’s compelled to push. It seems inevitable to me. The two drivers, let it be clear, are not allies; they are opponents, albeit with respect for the team’s objectives.” – Jean Alesi concluded.

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The SF-24 car already has a victory to its name, even with a one-two finish – something that has been missing in Maranello since the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix – Charles Leclerc is just four points behind Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ standings ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix and Ferrari at the same distance from Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings.

Numbers should not deceive of course, given the fact that Max Verstappen was forced to retire due to a technical issue in Australia, but he dominated in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, races in which Sergio Perez completed a Red Bull one-two. Other numbers that do not deceive are those of the significant performance leap of Ferrari: the SF-24 is the car that has achieved the most significant performance increase – by no small margin – compared to its predecessor. There will be no major updates in Japan yet, but optimism can be had regarding the developments that will be made to this project, which has started off very well.

Frederic Vasseur’s management is therefore bearing evident fruits. However, the French manager does not make proclamations; he is pragmatic and looks ahead with realism, without indulging in flights of fancy. Judging from the first three races of the 2024 Formula 1 championship, the Drivers’ title does not seem to be up for discussion in light of Max Verstappen’s performance, as the Dutchman has also scored three out of three pole positions so far. The discussion regarding the Constructors’ title is different, and Fred Vasseur wants to challenge Red Bull for this target. An objective that could be within reach, according to former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi:

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“I was in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia for the first two races of the championship, and I witnessed a team that is more on the ball, with better overall organization – the former idol of Ferrari fans wrote in an article for the Italian daily newspaper La Stampa – In the Scuderia, no one blames others anymore; Fred was exemplary in creating a group. Red Bull remains the reference, but different prospects are opening up. The gap has been significantly reduced, and pressure can be put on Red Bull, forcing them to take risks at the expense of reliability. The Constructors’ Championship could be a first concrete objective.” – Jean Alesi pointed out.

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The secret of the negotiations
The 59-year-old of Italian origins, a Ferrari driver from 1991 to 1995 and the current president of the Paul Ricard circuit, is still very close to the reality of the Prancing Horse, and remains one of the most beloved drivers by the Tifosi despite his only victory in Canada in his last year at Maranello. He specifically praised the market operation finalized by Ferrari, especially for the Scuderia’s ability to keep the negotiations with the seven-time champion hidden.

“We knew there had been many discussions behind the scenes since last year – he said – there have been negotiations, I don’t think the decision was made yesterday. It was made a few months ago, and it was a well-kept secret, of course, given the earthquake caused by the news on Thursday evening. Obviously, Fred Vasseur played an important role, and the decision was made carefully. Lewis won’t go to Ferrari just to make up the numbers. He has evaluated and studied everything. He knows Fred Vasseur very well because he grew up in his teams (in Formula 3 and GP2). He believes in him and in his project.” – the former Formula 1 driver continued..

Lewis Hamilton a champion with Ferrari?
The news is now official, and we will only have to wait for the arrival of the Briton in a year. Will he be able, however, to aim for the championship victory even in Ferrari? An objective that Alain Prost, as Jean Alesi’s teammate, failed to achieve, and more recently eluded Fernando Alonso, both world champions elsewhere before arriving in Maranello: “Jean Prost was another era, and the same goes for Fernando Alonso – he added – there are new technical regulations on the horizon. Lewis has chosen a manufacturer that he believes can face this change in the best possible way. The steps have been planned before him, as well as resources. He knows where he’s going. So yes, I believe he can make it. In any case, I dare to hope that he doesn’t have the same unpleasant surprises that Alain or Fernando had in the past.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded.

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However, this Christmas, the former star of Tyrrell, Scuderia Ferrari, Benetton, Sauber, Prost, and Jordan decided to gift himself a very different experience from the ones he was accustomed to when racing at 300 km/h on the track, yet equally moving. Jean Alesi served as an altar boy during the Christmas Mass held at the Ambrosian church in Milan.

A Special Christmas
The former French driver posted a video on his official Instagram profile, capturing the moment he discovered the statue of the baby Jesus during the service. On Twitter/X, other images of worshipers recognizing and filming the former Ferrari Formula 1 driver with their phones as he walked down the church’s main aisle, carrying a large cross, went viral. “I am proud to have had this experience – Jean Alesi said – it was truly emotional.”

«Sono molto orgoglioso di aver fatto quest’esperienza: devo dire che è stato molto emozionante». Jean Alesi ieri sera ha fatto il chierichetto durante la messa della Chiesa ambrosiana di Milano.#Natale #F1 #BuonNataleAncheATe pic.twitter.com/C261FgGqvX

—  LauraF1 Seb e Schumy (@LauraLuthien86) December 25, 2023

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