Lewis Hamilton is optimistic ahead of his debut with Ferrari at the 2025 season opener. The 7-time Champion will be under immediate pressure to match teammate Charles Leclerc and fight for wins with the Maranello squad.
Whilst nothing definitive can be drawn from pre-season testing, even pessimistic estimations of the SF-25’s performance suggest it should be within touching distance of McLaren.
In this event, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari in less than two weeks.
Hamilton unconcerned about a potential physical decline
Inevitably, the topic of an F1 driver’s age becomes prevalent as they enter their 40s.
When Renault announced Fernando Alonso’s return in 2020, the overwhelming consensus was that a 38-year-old should not take a seat that could be given to a young driver.
At the time, Renault Academy driver Zhou Guanyu was cited a more logical option for the Enstone team.
Since then, whilst Alonso has undoubtedly proven this scepticism was misplaced, the prospect of retirement is regularly posed to him in interviews. This has become especially prevalent amidst the decline of Aston Martin.
Lewis Hamilton, who recently turned 40, is likely to face a similar dilemma in the coming months.
To be clear, Ferrari will be competitive this year. Race victories are the bare minimum target for both drivers, with Charles Leclerc admitting that ending 2025 without a Championship (drivers or constructors) would be disappointment for Ferrari.
Because of this, there is nowhere to hide for Lewis Hamilton if his performance is below expectations.
No worry of decline ahead of Ferrari debut
As the new season approaches, Hamilton is not phased about this possibility.
He believes there is still plenty of time left in his F1 career:
“What I can tell you is, retirement is nowhere on my radar,” he told Time Magazine.
“I could be here until I’m 50, who knows.”
Whilst far from oblivious to the challenges ahead, Lewis Hamilton is confident in his abilities.
Pre-season testing was encouraging, at least in terms of his adaptation to the SF-25 and its compatibility with his driver style.
“I know exactly where the North Star is, I know where I need to go. I know how to get there.
“It’s far, and it’s going to be tough to get there. But I know I’ve got all the ingredients, all the people, an amazing team around me.
“So it’s how much you want it. And I can’t express to you how much I want it.”
Much like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton’s contractual situation keeps him on the grid until at least the end of 2026.
It is understood there is an option in his Ferrari deal to stay even longer.
However, a variety of factors, including how the Scuderia perform when the 2026 regulations arrive, will impact his time in Maranello.
One thing is certain, however. Both Hamilton and Leclerc – for very different reasons – have everything to prove over the next 24 rounds.
How this star-studded duo perform in 2025 will shape and mould Ferrari heading into the next era of F1.
Having pulled off this blockbuster signing, Fred Vasseur will hope for Ferrari to finally end their Championship drought.
