Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari has already sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, but former F1 driver Anthony Davidson has set a clear challenge for the seven-time world champion—replicate your final year at Mercedes.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes after over a decade wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about revitalizing his career and chasing an eighth world title. However, as Davidson sees it, Hamilton’s first season at Scuderia Ferrari will be judged by one crucial benchmark: whether he can start strong, deliver wins, and match Charles Leclerc from the outset.
Davidson’s expectation: A strong start is crucial
Davidson believes Hamilton’s 2024 campaign—his last with Mercedes—provides the perfect roadmap for success at Ferrari. Despite struggles with Mercedes’ inconsistent W15, Hamilton won two races, including an emotional victory at Silverstone that ended a 945-day winless streak.
“Lewis had a brilliant drive at Silverstone, and I think a good year for him will be to start off in year one pretty much just replicating what he’s done at Mercedes in his final year. That will be a good starting point, but I know he’ll be wanting more.”
Davidson’s expectation is clear—Hamilton must come out swinging, prove his worth early on, and ensure his move to Ferrari is seen as a title-contending decision rather than just a career swan song.
Can Hamilton outpace Leclerc at Ferrari?
Hamilton’s biggest intra-team battle in 2025 won’t be against Max Verstappen or Lando Norris—it will be against his own teammate, Charles Leclerc.
The Monegasque driver has been Ferrari’s golden boy since 2019, and taking down Leclerc on his home turf won’t be easy. However, Davidson expects Hamilton to hold his own—and even outclass him.
“He’ll be happy with out-qualifying Leclerc for a good handful of races, but then I am fully expecting him to match Leclerc when it comes to speed in the races. And he is probably better [than Leclerc] through his own experience.”
Davidson’s prediction suggests that Hamilton’s race craft, tire management, and strategic decision-making will give him the upper hand over Leclerc—even if Leclerc holds a slight edge in raw speed.
The real test: Will Ferrari give Hamilton a title-winning car?
Even if Hamilton hits the ground running and holds his own against Leclerc, one major factor remains—Ferrari’s ability to deliver a championship-caliber car.
Ferrari has been plagued by inconsistency, often flashing glimpses of brilliance before fading into midfield irrelevance. If Hamilton is to seriously challenge Verstappen and Red Bull, the Scuderia must provide a front-running machine week in and week out—not just on a handful of circuits.
Hamilton himself knows what’s at stake, and the 2025 season will determine whether his Ferrari gamble pays off or if it was simply a romantic farewell tour in red.
The Verdict: Can Hamilton Deliver?
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is the biggest storyline of the 2025 season. The expectations are massive, and Davidson has set the bar:
- Win early, just like in his final Mercedes season
- Outqualify Leclerc consistently
- Use his experience to dominate race pace
The question is—can he deliver?
If Ferrari gets the car right, expect fireworks. If not? The dream move could quickly turn into a nightmare.
The countdown to Hamilton vs. Leclerc at Ferrari has officially begun.
