Lewis Hamilton had an emotional farewell as he parted ways with Mercedes after driving for the team over 12 seasons of his career.
The seven-time world champion won six titles at the German outfit and will move onto Ferrari for 2025 to partner Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari have been ahead of Mercedes this year and challenged for the Constructors’ Championship before missing out at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Mercedes have struggled over the ground effect era since 2022, and Hamilton has only won one race on the track at the British Grand Prix earlier this year.
He finished second on the road behind teammate George Russell in Belgium but inherited victory after the 26-year-old’s car was underweight.
After a tricky end to his Mercedes stint, Hamilton will have a real challenge next season in adapting to an Italian team after spending all of his career with outfits based in England.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner explained why Hamilton needs to go up against Leclerc in 2025 in what will likely be a formidable line-up.
Lewis Hamilton will need the challenge of racing Charles Leclerc as he ‘won’t be easy to beat’
Martin Brundle feels Leclerc is the quickest driver in Formula 1, which should challenge Hamilton, who has previously encountered difficult teammates.
The Monegasque has been blisteringly fast in qualifying; Leclerc took pole position in Monaco and Azerbaijan this year but can step over the limit.
Leclerc has crashed in Azerbaijan a couple of times over his career and damaged his car when he hit the wall in Miami last season.
READ MORE: Lucas di Grassi outlines the brutal reason he would ‘never’ hire Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari
As Leclerc thrives in qualifying, Hamilton has uncharacteristically struggled over a single lap and didn’t take a pole position this year.
The challenge of fighting Leclerc could revitalise the 39-year-old. Steiner explained that things can become more difficult with age, but Hamilton needs to face the challenge of racing his new teammate.
He told the Champ1 YouTube channel: “It’s noticeable in all of us, and I’m sure there are athletes as well, but once you get to 40, I think it also becomes more difficult for a driver in terms of reaction times, but I think the drive is still there.
“The car has to be good, and Charles Leclerc won’t be easy to beat in the same car, so it’s a challenge for him, but I think he needs it.”
Lewis Hamilton needs to keep up his good race pace at Ferrari
Hamilton has lacked form in qualifying recently but has been unlucky, such as in Abu Dhabi when he ran over a bollard knocked over by Kevin Magnussen.
The British driver showed his speed at the Yas Marina Circuit, going from 16th to fourth on the grid. Ferrari will have a different concept, but the seven-time world champion will be a threat if he can keep the race pace up.
Ferrari may be taking risks with the development of next year’s car, and overhauled suspension may assist Hamilton.
A winning start at Ferrari would be a significant step in the right direction, although there are concerns about Hamilton continuing his inconsistent form.
