Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, recently made a bold statement, suggesting that Lewis Hamilton does not yet measure up to his new Ferrari team-mate, Charles Leclerc, as he begins his debut Formula 1 pre-season with the iconic team. The verdict came in the aftermath of Ferrari’s sole test in Bahrain last month, which precedes the 2025 campaign, where Hamilton was marginally faster than Leclerc.
However, despite a minor undisclosed issue that hindered his time in the car, Hamilton remained optimistic, relishing the experience behind the wheel of Ferrari’s SF-25. Yet, Marko warns, this enthusiasm may not be mirrored in overall performance, suggesting that Hamilton could still be trailing in the wake of his younger teammate.
Leclerc’s superior speed during the Bahrain test was highlighted by Marko, who pointed out that the familiarity Leclerc has with both the team and the car gives him an advantage. While Hamilton has shown gradual improvement and clocked numerous laps, he hasn’t yet reached Leclerc’s standard, according to Marko.
The 2025 season sees Hamilton partnering with Leclerc at Ferrari, a move that has brought both excitement and scrutiny. Hamilton’s previous season with Mercedes in 2024 was fraught with difficulties, particularly his struggle to extract optimal lap time from a capricious car during qualifying.
Marko emphasizes that resolving these one-lap issues will be critical for Hamilton in the upcoming season, where the margins between competitors promise to be razor-thin. He acknowledges Hamilton’s potential for incredible improvement, given the right circumstances, but also notes the high stakes given Leclerc’s status as one of the best qualifiers and his pursuit of his first title.
The competitive nature of the field means that a slight difference in qualifying time can result in a shift of several grid positions. With overtaking proving to be a challenge in current races, it is vital for Hamilton to be on par with Leclerc in the early qualifying sessions, a task that Marko admits will not be easy.
Marko also warned of a potential decline in Hamilton’s motivation should Ferrari fail to hit the ground running with the SF-25. If the car proves to be the slowest amongst the leaders, as some predict, Hamilton’s enthusiasm may falter.
Marko noted that Hamilton opted for Ferrari willingly, seeking a fresh challenge. He believes that Hamilton will make every effort to ensure his expectations are met. However, he also cautioned that if the conditions are not ideal and Hamilton sees no chance of winning, it could lead to a loss of motivation.
The upcoming season promises to be a test for Hamilton as he navigates the high-pressure, high-stakes world of Ferrari. His performance will no doubt be closely watched by both fans and critics, and Marko’s words serve as a potent reminder of the challenges that lie ahead.
