Lewis Hamilton, a name synonymous with greatness in Formula 1, faced one of the most challenging seasons of his illustrious career in 2024. The seven-time world champion, now 39, showcased his trademark brilliance on race days but struggled to match the pace of his younger teammate George Russell in qualifying. As Hamilton prepares for a high-stakes move to Ferrari in 2025, former rival Nico Rosberg weighed in on the Briton’s season, praising his resilience while acknowledging the hurdles ahead.
Race Pace Mastery Amid Qualifying Woes
Hamilton’s ability to carve through the grid remained a defining feature of his 2024 campaign. From thrilling overtakes to strategic mastery, he proved time and again why he’s considered one of the greatest. Despite starting deep in the pack on several occasions, Hamilton delivered standout performances, including an impressive recovery to fourth place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, overtaking Russell on the final lap.
Rosberg, the 2016 world champion and former teammate, highlighted Hamilton’s strengths, stating:
“The problem with our sport is that if you don’t qualify high up, you really struggle, even though he still seems to be at his very, very best in race pace. We’ve seen over and over again his racing pace is just still insanely strong.”
However, Rosberg did not shy away from addressing Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying, where Russell consistently outperformed him. The disparity between the two drivers in one-lap pace left Hamilton vulnerable on race days, often starting too far back to contend for podiums consistently.
A Tough Season Against a Younger Teammate
Russell, 27, demonstrated his growing prowess, consistently outshining Hamilton in qualifying and finishing ahead in the championship standings. For a driver of Hamilton’s stature, this dynamic was a bitter pill to swallow.
“Remember, the teammate is not a World Champion, the teammate is just a four-time [three-time] race winner,” Rosberg noted. “And when you get beaten all the time, and in the case of Lewis, who’s statistically the GOAT, then that’s really tough, especially going forward.”
Hamilton’s season underscored the challenges of maintaining peak performance in a sport increasingly dominated by youth and evolving technology.
A New Chapter at Ferrari
Hamilton’s journey takes a dramatic turn in 2025 as he joins Ferrari, chasing an elusive eighth world championship to cement his legacy. Partnering with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari will field one of the strongest driver lineups on the grid. However, the transition to the Italian outfit, renowned for its unique culture and operational style, presents its own challenges.
“The adjustment to a new environment could take time,” Rosberg cautioned. “It will be on [team principal] Frédéric Vasseur and the team to make Hamilton comfortable as quickly as possible.”
With Ferrari narrowly missing out on the 2024 Constructors’ Championship to McLaren, expectations are sky-high. The iconic Tifosi fanbase will demand immediate results from their star signing.
Hamilton’s Legacy at a Crossroads
As Hamilton embarks on this new adventure, the stakes have never been higher. The move to Ferrari is both an opportunity and a risk—a chance to redefine his legacy while navigating the challenges of adapting to a new team and competing against a formidable teammate in Leclerc.
Will Hamilton’s unparalleled racecraft and determination be enough to overcome the hurdles of a new environment and reclaim his place at the top of Formula 1? The 2025 season promises to be a defining chapter in the career of a driver who has always thrived under pressure.
