Breaking:-In a highly anticipated debut, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, partnering with the established Charles Leclerc. The duo recently participated in a shakedown of Ferrari’s new SF-25 at the Fiorano test track, offering a preliminary glimpse into their on-track dynamics.
Unofficial reports from the session indicate that Leclerc posted a fastest lap time of 56.060 seconds, narrowly missing Michael Schumacher’s longstanding Fiorano record of 55.999 seconds set in 2004. Hamilton’s best effort was reportedly 0.8 seconds slower than Leclerc’s benchmark. It’s important to note that these times were achieved on special Pirelli tire compounds not intended for the 2025 season, and variables such as fuel loads and specific testing programs were not standardized, rendering direct comparisons somewhat inconclusive.
Further insights suggest that both drivers consistently lapped under the 57-second mark during the session. Leclerc’s testing regimen included experimenting with various setups, leading to both understeer and oversteer scenarios, before settling on a balanced configuration for his fastest lap. Hamilton, on the other hand, focused on acclimating to the new machinery, reportedly running with higher fuel loads and a more conventional setup. While specific lap times for Hamilton were not officially disclosed, indications are that he was consistently around the 56.400-second range.
This initial performance disparity has sparked discussions within the Formula 1 community. Veteran commentator Martin Brundle expressed concerns about Hamilton’s current form, suggesting that the 40-year-old may have “lost the edge” that once defined his racing prowess. Brundle emphasized the importance of Hamilton quickly adapting to his new environment, especially given Leclerc’s deep familiarity with the team and his proven speed.
Despite these early observations, it’s crucial to approach the data with caution. Shakedown sessions are primarily designed to identify and rectify mechanical issues, allowing drivers to familiarize themselves with new cars under controlled conditions. The use of non-standard tires, varied fuel loads, and differing setup configurations means that lap times from such sessions are not fully indicative of true performance potential.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari marks only the third team change in his illustrious career. His move from Mercedes, where he secured multiple championships, to the iconic Italian team has been one of the most talked-about shifts in recent Formula 1 history. Hamilton has expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter, highlighting the unique atmosphere at Ferrari and the rich history associated with the team. He described the experience of testing at Fiorano, adjacent to the factory, as “absolutely awesome.”
As the season approaches, both drivers will have the opportunity to further fine-tune their setups and build rapport with their respective engineering teams during the official pre-season testing in Bahrain. These sessions will provide a more standardized environment to assess performance, with all teams running on the same tire compounds and adhering to similar testing protocols.
The partnership between Hamilton and Leclerc is poised to be one of the most compelling narratives of the 2025 season. Leclerc, entering his seventh year with Ferrari, has consistently demonstrated exceptional qualifying speed and racecraft. Hamilton, with his vast experience and record-breaking career, brings a wealth of knowledge and a championship-winning mentality to the team. The interplay between Leclerc’s familiarity with Ferrari and Hamilton’s fresh perspective could prove advantageous as the team strives to return to championship contention.
In conclusion, while early reports from the Fiorano shakedown suggest a slight performance gap between Leclerc and Hamilton, it’s essential to recognize the preliminary nature of these findings. The true measure of their partnership and the competitiveness of the SF-25 will become clearer as the season unfolds, starting with the official tests in Bahrain and culminating in the opening race. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see how this dynamic duo will navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the 2025 Fo
rmula 1 season.