Lewis Hamilton will have a maximum of three races to prove his worth at Ferrari at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, according to Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle. The seven-time World Champion, who signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari reportedly worth $57 million per season, is already facing high expectations.
A report from Italy suggests that Ferrari may impose team orders on Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc early in the season to maximize their chances of securing their first championship title since 2008. With the final year of the current regulations expected to be highly competitive—after Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren all secured multiple wins in 2024—the team aims for a strong strategic start.
Initially, Hamilton and Leclerc are expected to be treated as equals, with Ferrari fielding a two-pronged attack beginning at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16. However, early-season performance could determine a hierarchical shift within the team.
Brundle asserts that Hamilton must be fully up to speed by the third race, the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6, if he hopes to avoid a supporting role to Leclerc. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Brundle stated:
“He’s got to use his experience. There are no excuses at this level. Even rookies only get half a season at most. Ferrari will expect Lewis to have mastered his team and car within two or three races.”
Hamilton received a warm welcome at Ferrari’s Maranello factory and Fiorano test track, with hundreds of fans attending his first official on-track appearance. However, his pre-season preparations suffered a setback in Barcelona, where he crashed during a private test.
Criticism has already surfaced regarding Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Hamilton. Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan previously remarked that Ferrari president John Elkann “must have rocks in his head” for making the switch.
Despite the skepticism, Brundle firmly believes Hamilton is worth every penny, describing his move to Ferrari as “the gift that will keep giving.”
“Two of the biggest names in F1 history—Ferrari and Hamilton—joining forces is extraordinary. Lewis in Ferrari red is a story that will continue to unfold.”
While acknowledging the challenges Hamilton faces—including adapting to a new team, working with a new engineer, and learning a new system—Brundle remains confident in his success:
“If Ferrari has a race-winning or championship-winning car, then Lewis can win races and even the title.”
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is already one of the biggest stories in F1 history. However, with a three-race warning from Brundle and the looming possibility of team orders, the pressure is on. Can Hamilton prove himself in time, or will Leclerc establish dominance within Ferrari? The 2025 season is set to be a dramatic one.
