The Lewis Hamilton–Ferrari era hasn’t even begun, yet doubts are already creeping in about the seven-time champion’s ability to keep up with Charles Leclerc in 2025.
According to former F1 driver Marc Surer, age will be a factor—and Hamilton may struggle against his younger teammate, particularly in qualifying.
🚨 Surer’s Blunt Prediction:
“I think Leclerc will be faster than 40-year-old Hamilton. It is not possible at this age to be as fast as Leclerc.”
Will Hamilton Be Slower Than Leclerc?
Surer believes raw speed—especially in one-lap qualifying pace—is where Hamilton may struggle to match his 26-year-old teammate.
But he also cautioned against writing Hamilton off entirely, noting that if Ferrari delivers a car suited to his driving style, he could turn the tide in race conditions.
“A lot will depend on the handling of the car. We know Hamilton is quite sensitive to how the car handles. If it’s to his favor, he could do very well in the race.”
Will Ferrari Favor Leclerc in a Title Fight?
Even if Hamilton is competitive, will Ferrari back him in a championship battle?
Surer warns that if one driver gains the upper hand early in the season, Ferrari won’t hesitate to enforce team orders—something McLaren failed to do in 2024.
“Ferrari will be clever enough to use team orders quite quickly. If they have a chance to win the championship, they should not wait, like McLaren did last year.”
Betting Markets Suggest Hamilton Faces an Uphill Battle
If the odds are anything to go by, Hamilton’s dream of an eighth title looks slim.
📉 2025 F1 Title Odds (Implied Probability via My Betting Edge):
🔹 Hamilton – 14% chance of winning the title
🔹 Leclerc – Listed as a top favorite
While Hamilton’s supporters are hopeful, the bookmakers, ex-drivers, and analysts aren’t convinced—at least not yet.
The Bottom Line: Can Hamilton Prove the Doubters Wrong?
The Hamilton vs. Leclerc rivalry is shaping up to be one of the biggest stories of 2025.
Will the seven-time champion defy age and expectations? Or will Ferrari truly become Leclerc’s team?
We’ll find out soon enough.
