As the dust settles on the F1 2025 pre-season testing in Bahrain, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has turned his gaze towards his rivals, acknowledging the formidable strength of both McLaren and Red Bull. Hamilton, who recently shocked the racing world with his switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, is acutely aware of the high stakes as he chases an unprecedented eighth World Championship title, a feat that would propel him past Michael Schumacher’s record.
While Hamilton is no stranger to the pressures of the track, his recent move to Ferrari has added an additional layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. With Charles Leclerc as his partner, Ferrari is primed for title contention in F1 2025. Despite holding remarkable records, including an impressive 105 grand prix wins, 104 poles, and 202 podium appearances, Hamilton acknowledges the formidable competitors that lie ahead.
One such rival that has caught Hamilton’s attention is McLaren’s Lando Norris, who has quickly become a favorite for the F1 2025 title following his pressure campaign against Max Verstappen last season. Verstappen, a former F1 title adversary of Hamilton, managed to clinch his fourth consecutive Drivers’ title, further enhancing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Norris’ race simulation on Day 2 of the pre-season testing, in which he outperformed Leclerc, only served to fuel the anticipation, despite the recognition that testing times may not always translate to race day performance. Hamilton has expressed admiration for Norris’s impressive run, and also credited Verstappen for his commendable performance, even in challenging conditions.
Hamilton, however, urged caution in making judgments based on testing outcomes. He pointed out the difficulty of accurately assessing the competition due to different fuel loads and program variations, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach when evaluating rival performances.
As the Constructors’ champions last year, McLaren is undoubtedly a threat, and Red Bull’s domination over the years is not to be underestimated. Hamilton, who is yet to undertake a long run with his new team, acknowledges the need for improvement and growth as he prepares for his first race stint with Ferrari.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton maintains a positive outlook as he embarks on his journey with Ferrari. He emphasizes the importance of not rushing to conclusions based on initial impressions, a lesson he has learned from his extensive experience in the sport. In fact, he confidently states that this is the most positive feeling he has had in a long time, suggesting a promising start to his tenure with Ferrari.
As we inch closer to the start of F1 2025, Hamilton’s focus, determination, and positive mindset serve as a harbinger of exciting times ahead. With rivals like McLaren and Red Bull hot on his heels, the quest for his eighth World Championship title promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
