Lewis Hamilton given harsh warning as Charles Leclerc holds huge advantage at Ferrari

The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to be one of the most exciting in recent history, with numerous changes shaking up the grid. Among the biggest storylines is Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari. After spending over a decade with Mercedes, winning multiple world championships, and establishing himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats, Hamilton has decided to take on a new challenge with the Scuderia.

However, despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, there are already concerns about how the seven-time world champion will fit into the team. Ferrari has long been built around Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque driver who has been with the team since 2019. With Leclerc holding a strong position within Ferrari, Hamilton has been given a harsh warning—he may not be the team’s priority.

Leclerc’s Position at Ferrari

Since joining Ferrari, Charles Leclerc has cemented himself as one of the most talented drivers on the grid. His ability to extract performance from the car, his aggressive yet calculated driving style, and his deep connection with the Italian team have made him the face of Ferrari’s future.

Leclerc has consistently been the team’s number one driver, often receiving preferential treatment over his teammates. While Ferrari has publicly stated that they allow their drivers to race freely, past seasons have shown that the team is heavily invested in Leclerc’s success. His multi-year contract extension, the trust placed in him by team principal Frédéric Vasseur, and the unwavering support from Ferrari’s fanbase all point to the fact that he is their long-term project.

With Hamilton stepping into this dynamic, the question arises—will Ferrari truly allow him to compete on equal footing with Leclerc? Or will Hamilton find himself in a situation where he is expected to play a supporting role?

The Warning for Hamilton

Sources close to Ferrari have indicated that Hamilton has been cautioned about what he is walking into. While the Briton is used to being the undisputed leader of a team—especially at Mercedes, where he enjoyed years of dominance—Ferrari’s structure is different. Unlike Mercedes, where Hamilton had the full backing of the team and an environment built around him, Ferrari is a team with deep internal politics, strong traditions, and a clear vision for its future.

The warning to Hamilton is clear: he cannot expect the same level of control and influence that he had at Mercedes. At Ferrari, Leclerc has already established himself as the leader, and despite Hamilton’s incredible pedigree, he may struggle to dethrone him.

Some insiders even believe that Ferrari could prioritize Leclerc in key moments, particularly if the Monegasque driver starts the season stronger. If Hamilton does not adapt quickly, he could find himself playing second fiddle—a position he has never been in before.

Will Ferrari Truly Support Both Drivers Equally?

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Hamilton’s move is whether Ferrari will genuinely support both drivers on equal terms. In theory, having two elite drivers should be a dream scenario for any team. However, history has shown that Ferrari has often leaned toward one driver when it comes to title fights.

During the Michael Schumacher era, Ferrari was built entirely around the German driver, with Rubens Barrichello playing a clear number two role. Later, when Fernando Alonso joined the team, Ferrari structured its efforts around him, leaving little room for his teammates to challenge. Even Sebastian Vettel, during his time at Ferrari, was given priority in many instances.

Now, with Leclerc at the heart of Ferrari’s long-term project, it is hard to imagine the team shifting its focus entirely to Hamilton. Despite his legendary status, he is entering Ferrari at a time when the team is looking to build a future around a younger driver.

If Ferrari were to prioritize Hamilton, it would not only risk upsetting Leclerc but also disrupt years of development aimed at making the Monegasque driver a world champion. This presents a major challenge for Hamilton—how does he integrate into Ferrari while ensuring he receives equal treatment?

Hamilton’s Strengths and Challenges at Ferrari

Hamilton is no stranger to adversity. Throughout his career, he has proven time and time again that he can overcome challenges, whether it be facing strong teammates, dealing with difficult team dynamics, or fighting against dominant rivals. His experience, racecraft, and ability to develop a car will be major assets for Ferrari.

However, the situation at Ferrari presents a unique set of challenges that Hamilton has not faced before. Unlike his early days at McLaren or his time at Mercedes, where he was the clear leader, he is now stepping into an environment where he may have to fight for recognition within his own team.

Additionally, Hamilton has always thrived in teams that offer strong strategic decision-making. Ferrari, on the other hand, has been criticized for making questionable strategy calls in recent years. If the team does not improve in this area, Hamilton could find himself frustrated with decisions that cost him valuable points.

There is also the matter of car development. While Hamilton has been instrumental in helping Mercedes develop dominant cars, Ferrari operates differently. The team’s engineering philosophy, technical direction, and development priorities may not always align with what Hamilton is used to. If he cannot adapt quickly, he could struggle to get the most out of the car.

Leclerc vs. Hamilton: A Potential Power Struggle?

The arrival of Hamilton at Ferrari could set up one of the most intense intra-team rivalries in recent F1 history. Both Hamilton and Leclerc are incredibly talented, fiercely competitive, and have the ambition to be world champions.

While Ferrari may attempt to manage them equally, the reality is that if both drivers are in contention for wins and championships, tensions could arise. F1 has seen many legendary team rivalries—Ayrton Senna vs. Alain Prost at McLaren, Lewis Hamilton vs. Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel vs. Mark Webber at Red Bull.

If Hamilton and Leclerc start fighting for victories, Ferrari will be forced to make tough decisions. Will they allow them to race freely, risking internal conflict? Or will they side with Leclerc, given his long-term future with the team?

Hamilton is known for his ability to work well with teammates, but if he feels that he is not being treated fairly, he will not hesitate to push back. Leclerc, on the other hand, will be determined to prove that Ferrari is his team. This dynamic could create fireworks both on and off the track.

What This Means for the 2025 Championship Battle

Ferrari’s ability to manage Hamilton and Leclerc effectively could have a major impact on the championship battle. If they handle the situation well, they could have the strongest driver lineup on the grid, giving them an edge over Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren.

However, if internal tensions develop, it could create instability that Red Bull and Mercedes could exploit. Teams that have two evenly matched drivers often struggle with consistency, as conflicts can lead to costly mistakes, team orders, and potential crashes between teammates.

For Hamilton, the key will be to adapt quickly, assert himself within Ferrari without causing friction, and ensure that he remains in the championship fight. For Leclerc, the challenge will be to prove that he is still the team’s best chance at winning a title, even against a legend like Hamilton.

Conclusion: A Defining Season for Hamilton and Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is one of the biggest stories in modern F1, but it comes with risks. While he has the potential to achieve greatness with the Italian team, he must navigate the complex dynamics that come with joining a team already structured around Charles Leclerc.

The warning that Hamilton has received should not be taken lightly. Ferrari has a history of favoring a lead driver, and Leclerc has built a strong foundation within the team. If Hamilton wants to succeed, he must fight for his place, adapt to Ferrari’s culture, and prove that he is still capable of winning at the highest level.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ferrari. Will they allow their two star drivers to compete freely, or will Leclerc’s advantage within the team create problems for Hamilton? One thing is certain—the battle between Hamilton and Leclerc will be one of the most fascinating storylines of the season.