With the brand new Ferrari SF-25, rivals are strongly backing Lewis Hamilton for the F1 drivers’ championship. Following the conclusion of the F1-75 LIVE occasion, it’s time to take Maranello’s new single-seater to the observe. At this time, February 19, the crew will already be on observe at Fiorano for the 200 km allowed by the filming day— a shakedown that guarantees solutions (albeit partial ones) forward of Bahrain.
The night on the O2 Enviornment didn’t disappoint expectations. It was a brand new occasion, nonetheless in want of fine-tuning, however totally consistent with Liberty Media and Components 1’s communication technique. The automobiles on show have been merely showcars to current the liveries, however the groups compensated by sharing renders of their actual single-seaters on social media.
Essentially the most anticipated automotive, definitely, was Ferrari. With a livery that aligns with current leaks, the SF-25 was launched to the Components 1 world. A automotive that’s “99% new” and, at first look, seems really filled with improvements. The drivers’ pleasure was palpable, each sharing the identical dream: to develop into champions with the Prancing Horse.
Hamilton and Leclerc: the primary rival is the teammate
The Briton and the Monegasque have robust causes to intention for the championship. One needs to enter legend by securing an eighth title that maybe ought to have already been his in 2021. The opposite needs to lastly start his story by claiming the world crown that has appeared like a mere mirage for years. The younger (not a lot anymore) and the veteran, each reinvigorated by the Crimson that makes hearts race.
The power of the equipment will, in fact, be essential. However even when the SF-25 outclasses the remainder of the grid, one rival will stand out above all: their very own teammate. It will likely be a real generational battle, the place Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will compete for the drivers’ title—one thing each dream of greater than anything.
A romantic SF-25 with Hamilton as champion
Whereas the grid is properly conscious of #16’s talents, the query stays about Lewis Hamilton’s untapped potential. Rivals, nevertheless, are strongly backing the Briton: “If he begins properly, if the crew helps him, if he finds confidence in himself, and if he harnesses that vitality, then I see him as an actual title contender,” says Christian Horner.
“So much will rely upon how properly he integrates with the crew within the first a part of the season. Everyone knows what Lewis is able to, and if he finds new vitality in a special setting, I believe he might develop into a significant factor to observe this yr.”
This opinion is shared by Max Verstappen and Zak Brown, who’ve little bother envisioning Lewis Hamilton combating for the world title. One factor is definite: whereas managing two potential “alpha males in the identical henhouse” is all the time dangerous, really believing they’ll combat for the highest of the championship standings is already a small victory for Ferrari after years of vacancy.
Supply: f1ingenerale