Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari has set the stage for one of the most intriguing intra-team battles in recent Formula 1 history. As the seven-time world champion joins forces with Charles Leclerc, the question arises: Who will Ferrari back in their pursuit of the 2025 title? With a young and ambitious Leclerc aiming to solidify his status as Ferrari’s undisputed leader and Hamilton determined to claim a record-breaking eighth championship, the upcoming season promises fireworks within the Maranello squad.

Since Leclerc’s arrival at Ferrari in 2019, the team’s project has largely revolved around him. Despite partnering with former four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and later Carlos Sainz, Leclerc has been the clear focal point of Ferrari’s long-term vision. However, Hamilton’s arrival changes everything. Unlike Vettel, who was already in decline when Leclerc joined, Hamilton remains a formidable force in F1. His experience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him the most significant challenge Leclerc has faced within his own team.

Ferrari’s leadership, including Piero Ferrari, has downplayed concerns over potential tensions between their two star drivers. Piero compared Hamilton’s arrival to the legendary Michael Schumacher’s debut at Ferrari, emphasizing that such rivalries can push a team to new heights. He acknowledged that competition between teammates is natural, drawing parallels to generational clashes seen in other sports. However, history has shown that intense intra-team battles—such as Hamilton’s infamous feud with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes—can either propel a team to dominance or create irreversible divisions.

Despite an early crash during testing in Barcelona, Hamilton has wasted no time making critical adjustments to Ferrari’s setup, including changes to the pedal positioning and cockpit configuration. His ability to quickly adapt to the car’s braking system and clutch operation has impressed Ferrari engineers, signaling that he is already integrating into his new environment. More importantly, his feedback could be instrumental in refining Ferrari’s 2025 car. Unlike Leclerc, who is accustomed to Ferrari’s previous designs, Hamilton brings a fresh perspective that could expose weaknesses and lead to necessary improvements.

One of the biggest factors that will determine Hamilton’s success at Ferrari is his ability to address past struggles, particularly in tire management. Ferrari has already identified this as a key area of development, designing a separate testing program to enhance Hamilton’s understanding of their tire performance. Meanwhile, Leclerc is expected to focus on optimizing other aspects of the car, ensuring that Ferrari maximizes its competitive edge across different racing conditions.

Beyond technical adjustments, Hamilton must also confront lingering doubts about his age and endurance. At 40, he faces skepticism from figures like Felipe Massa and Ralf Schumacher, who question whether he can maintain peak performance across a grueling 24-race season. To counter these concerns, Hamilton has reunited with Angela Cullen, his former physiotherapist and longtime confidante. Cullen’s presence could play a crucial role in helping Hamilton maintain his physical and mental sharpness throughout the year.

The battle between Hamilton and Leclerc will be a defining storyline of the 2025 season. For Leclerc, this is an opportunity to prove he is Ferrari’s rightful leader, capable of taking on and defeating one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. For Hamilton, this is a chance to silence critics, adapt to a new team, and chase an unprecedented eighth world title. Ferrari, caught between these two elite competitors, must navigate this internal rivalry carefully to avoid the pitfalls that have historically plagued teams with dual championship-caliber drivers.

As the lights go out in March, all eyes will be on Ferrari’s garage. Will Hamilton’s experience and adaptability give him the upper hand, or will Leclerc’s deep-rooted knowledge of the team secure his dominance? One thing is certain—this battle is just beginning, and its outcome could shape Ferrari’s future for years to come.