Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are arguably the most anticipated F1 driver line-up this century. The Ferrari duo will be under immense scrutiny this season – especially if the Scuderia successfully contend for a Championship.
With the 2025 season approaching and winter preparations well underway, Nico Rosberg gives his verdict on Maranello’s new partnership.
Leclerc the favourite, Hamilton not to be underestimated
If anyone is to discuss the prospect of facing Lewis Hamilton in the same machinery, few are better qualified than Nico Rosberg.
The 39-year-old spent four seasons as Hamilton’s teammate – eventually defeating the Briton to claim the 2016 Championship.
Rosberg has spoken on numerous occasions about the mental toll of his title battles.
Because of this, his comments about how Leclerc will rise to this new challenge are worth noting.
According to Rosberg, it is actually Charles Leclerc who enters this year as the favourite to lead Ferrari.
However, he warns that Hamilton could end up changing the narrative by the final race:
“Max Verstappen is above all drivers,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport:
“Perhaps the best of the young generation is George Russell, but Charles drives at a similarly high level.
“Lewis, on the other hand, struggled quite a bit in 2024 and you got the impression that he didn’t know exactly why that was.”
Rosberg: Hamilton could surprise people in 2025
For a multitude of reasons, the 7-time Champion’s final campaign with Mercedes was a painful one.
Relations with Toto Wolff and the Silver Arrows deteriorated as the year developed – in many ways confirming that a change in scenery at Ferrari was the right call.
Because of this, Rosberg takes Hamilton’s recent struggles into consideration for his analysis.
Still, the F1 Champion still believes Hamilton could end the year triumphant:
“If we start from this level of knowledge, then Charles will beat Hamilton, just as George Russell beat Lewis.
“But be careful, Hamilton is the greatest of all time – and I trust him to be able to return to his usual level.
“Then it could easily end up with him being slightly ahead of Leclerc at the end of the year.”
Unprecedented buzz for Ferrari
It is no shock to anyone that Ferrari have enjoyed more social media attention than anyone else this season.
Lewis Hamilton’s appearances at Maranello (alongside his tests at Fiorano and Barcelona) have generated plenty of conversation.
READ MORE: Verstappen discusses potential Le Mans bid with Alonso
The next few weeks represent a critical integration period for Hamilton.
Not only is getting up to speed essential to compete with Charles Leclerc, but the 7-time Champion is well aware of Ferrari’s Championship potential.
Should Ferrari maintain last year’s trajectory, they could be fighting for victories from round one.
In this context, the relative performance of Fred Vasseur’s duo will be of additional importance.
With the 2026 regulations representing a complete unknown (from an aerodynamic and engine perspective), there are no guarantees the Scuderia will lead the way in just over twelve months.
This is partly why Ferrari are working so diligently on their 2025 package.
Although the Italian team are no stranger to pre-season hype, this year is undoubtedly one of their best chances to reclaim the F1 title.
