Lewis Hamilton is firmly the centre of attention before the 2025 Formula 1 season. The fans at the Australian Grand Prix next weekend have the privilege of seeing him racing for Ferrari for the first time.
Karun Chandhok says there’s ‘unreal’ hype around Hamilton before Melbourne. The events of the last seven weeks – since he first reported to Maranello – have surely confirmed that this is the biggest driver transfer in F1 history.
One could argue that this doesn’t suit the seven-time champion. Hamilton says he feels ‘reinvigorated’ at Ferrari but the publicity can be a distraction.
Indeed, Hamilton tried to hide from photographers during testing, perhaps in an attempt to maintain his focus. He’s had to work harder than ever this winter to adapt.
On the flip side, it could benefit his competitors. Lando Norris is the F1 title favourite – testing strengthened that status – but he won’t be the main driver in the spotlight at Albert Park.
Others might have a chip on their shoulder if they feel they’ve been overlooked. If anyone falls into that category, it would be teammate Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari sponsors PUMA say ‘no questions on Lewis Hamilton’ before Charles Leclerc interview
Leclerc and Hamilton have been busy with commercial commitments in Europe this week before they fly out to Australia. They were both present in Milan on Thursday evening for a ‘driver presentation’ event.
Before that, they celebrated the 20-year anniversary of their partnership with sportswear company PUMA. ESPN journalist Laurence Edmondson was among those in attendance.
Speaking on the Unlapped podcast, he revealed that a PUMA PR staffer prevented him from asking Leclerc any questions about Hamilton. He suspects that this was a Ferrari directive.
Leclerc is a certified F1 A-lister in his own right, with eight wins, 26 poles and 42 podiums. He’s better placed than ever to challenge for a first world title this season.
Edmondson said: “The PR person that set up my interview with Charles, which wasn’t actually someone from Ferrari, it was someone from PUMA, said ‘no questions on Lewis’. I don’t know if this was coming from Charles.
“I think it’s as much coming from the team. They realise there’s all this attention on Lewis, but Charles is in a great position himself.”
Fred Vasseur has seen a difference in Charles Leclerc since Lewis Hamilton joined
Leclerc, to his credit, hasn’t shown any sign of frustration despite the overarching focus on Hamilton. He’s made Ferrari his team since 2019, effectively ending Sebastian Vettel’s top-level career by outperforming him.
Perhaps he’s enjoying the new reality at Maranello. Leclerc has been nicknamed ‘The Predestined’, and with that tag there comes intense pressure.
Drive to Survive expect a ‘juicy’ Ferrari rivalry this season, but at the moment the two seem to be on good terms. Leclerc has never had an extended falling-out with an F1 teammate, while Hamilton has worked in harmonious garages since his bitter rivalry with Nico Rosberg around a decade ago.
Team principal Fred Vasseur says Leclerc will benefit from Hamilton joining. He can learn the 40-year-old while also being able to ‘focus more on himself’.
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