As Lewis Hamilton gears up for his highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025, the Formula 1 landscape is bracing for a showdown between the seven-time world champion and the rising star, Charles Leclerc. Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley has weighed in on the brewing rivalry, predicting that the veteran Hamilton will eventually find it difficult to keep pace with his younger teammate.
Hamilton’s 2024 season with Mercedes has been a rollercoaster, starting with a struggling W15 but turning around midseason with crucial upgrades that propelled him to victories at Silverstone and Belgium. Despite these recent triumphs, the Briton is nearing the end of his tenure at Mercedes and preparing to embark on a new chapter at Ferrari—a move that many believe will define the twilight of his illustrious career.
Smedley’s Stark Warning: Hamilton Won’t Have It Easy at Ferrari
Smedley, who spent years at Ferrari and understands the dynamics of the team, doesn’t believe Hamilton will easily outshine Leclerc. “Lewis is a true professional,” Smedley said. “He knows how good Charles is, but he will also back himself to beat him over 24 races or whatever it is. I think he will.” However, Smedley emphasized that the 26-year-old Leclerc holds key advantages: youth, familiarity with the Ferrari setup, and a deep understanding of the team’s internal dynamics—factors that could prove pivotal in the battle for supremacy.
Age vs. Experience: The Clock Is Ticking
As Hamilton approaches his 40th birthday next year, questions loom about his ability to maintain the peak physical and mental sharpness that have defined his career. Smedley acknowledged that while Hamilton remains one of the fittest and most mentally resilient drivers on the grid, time is not on his side. “I think there’ll come a point when he won’t be able to do that anymore, but it’s certainly not now,” Smedley stated, highlighting that while Hamilton’s current form is still formidable, the inevitable decline with age could make it harder for him to match Leclerc’s relentless pace in the coming years.
A Battle for Team Leadership
Smedley doesn’t foresee Hamilton walking into Ferrari and dominating Leclerc. He believes Hamilton will need to integrate deeply into Ferrari’s culture and adapt quickly to their car dynamics—tasks that won’t be straightforward given Leclerc’s entrenched position. “I don’t think Lewis is going to go to Ferrari and think that he’s going to be able to trounce Charles, because I don’t think he will be able to. It just won’t be that easy,” Smedley explained. He anticipates that Hamilton will work tirelessly to build strong relationships within the team and optimize his performance.
The Stage Is Set for an Epic Rivalry
Leclerc, currently in top form with multiple wins and podiums this season, will not be an easy rival to overcome. The prospect of these two elite drivers battling it out in the same team is a tantalizing one for fans, but it also raises concerns about potential conflicts. As Hamilton seeks to cement his legacy with Ferrari, and Leclerc fights to prove he’s the future of the team, their partnership could either blossom into a formidable alliance or descend into a fierce rivalry.
Only time will tell if Hamilton can harness his experience to outsmart his younger teammate, or if Leclerc’s youth and deep connection to Ferrari will ultimately give him the upper hand. One thing is certain: Ferrari’s 2025 driver lineup promises to deliver fireworks, both on and off the track.
