Fresh Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc comparison as unofficial Ferrari SF-25 laptimes surface – reports

Lewis Hamilton, the legendary seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has officially embarked on his journey with Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season. Following a dramatic transition from Mercedes to the Scuderia team, Hamilton’s first laps behind the wheel of the Ferrari SF-25 have sparked plenty of interest and speculation among fans and pundits alike.

Hamilton’s shakedown at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track marked a significant milestone in his preparation for the upcoming season. On this private filming day, the SF-25 car took to the track for its first laps with Charles Leclerc, his new teammate, and Hamilton sharing the driving duties.

The shakedown test, while brief, was crucial for both drivers as they had limited time behind the wheel before the official pre-season test in Bahrain, which begins on February 26. The event offered an early indication of how the two drivers are adjusting to their new roles and their new car.

According to reports from Spanish publication Marca, Hamilton’s performance during the shakedown at Fiorano revealed a notable difference in lap times. Hamilton was 0.8 seconds slower than Leclerc, which, though significant, should be taken with a grain of salt. It is important to note that both drivers were using special Pirelli tyres specifically designed for the shakedown, which are not the same as the racing tyres they will use in the 2025 season. This makes a direct comparison somewhat misleading, especially since the main goal of the shakedown was to familiarize the drivers with the car rather than push for outright speed.

Hamilton’s result at Fiorano follows a similar trend seen during a tyre test in Barcelona earlier this month. Despite a strong performance on the first day, where he outpaced Leclerc by 0.130 seconds, Hamilton’s second-day performance saw him trailing his teammate by a massive 1.788 seconds. However, it’s crucial to consider the different testing programs and conditions each driver was subject to, which Pirelli highlighted in their official statements, stressing that the lap times were not reflective of actual race performance.

As the shakedown progressed, it became clear that Leclerc’s extensive experience with Ferrari was playing a significant role in his ability to extract the maximum performance from the SF-25. Having been with the team since 2019, Leclerc is preparing for his seventh full season with Ferrari, which gives him a distinct advantage when it comes to quickly adjusting to a new car and new specifications. In contrast, Hamilton is in the early stages of adapting to a completely new team and environment.

Sources suggest that while Leclerc was able to push from the outset, the primary focus for Hamilton was on building confidence and understanding the car’s characteristics. Given Hamilton’s relative inexperience with the SF-25, the team was likely more concerned with providing him the opportunity to settle in and refine his feedback, rather than chasing lap time outright. It’s reported that both drivers provided “positive feedback” after their runs, which suggests that Hamilton is already starting to form a clearer picture of what he needs from the team and the car.

This shakedown and the upcoming pre-season tests are more than just a simple test of lap times for Hamilton. They represent the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career. After years of dominating with Mercedes, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has been one of the most talked-about moves in recent F1 history. The 2025 season represents a fresh challenge, and Hamilton has expressed excitement about the opportunity to escape the shadows of his controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi defeat, which marked a bitter end to his long-standing rivalry with Max Verstappen.

At 40 years old, Hamilton’s quest for an eighth World Championship continues, and Ferrari is hoping that his experience and unparalleled skill will help them close the gap to Red Bull, who have dominated recent seasons. Despite a less than stellar 2024 season, where Hamilton struggled for one-lap pace and often found himself behind teammate George Russell in qualifying, the switch to Ferrari brings renewed hope for the veteran driver.

While Hamilton has been facing challenges in qualifying recently, his teammate Leclerc has established himself as one of the fastest drivers on the grid, particularly in one-lap situations. Leclerc, who has claimed 26 pole positions since 2019, is regarded as one of the best in this aspect of racing, putting him ahead of seasoned drivers like Fernando Alonso. However, despite his qualifying prowess, Leclerc has had difficulty converting pole positions into race wins, with only eight Grand Prix victories to his name.

For Hamilton, this represents an intriguing dynamic in their partnership. Both drivers are exceptional talents, and their collaboration could be a powerful force for Ferrari. While Leclerc’s raw speed could give Ferrari an edge in qualifying, Hamilton’s racecraft and experience could prove vital in securing race wins.

The upcoming Bahrain pre-season test will be the first real chance for both Hamilton and Leclerc to push the SF-25 to its limits. With limited track time before then, the shakedown at Fiorano offered an important initial step. The season-opening race in Bahrain will also give fans a clearer picture of the car’s potential and the dynamic between the two drivers.

As Ferrari’s newest driver, Hamilton is no longer chasing records for Mercedes but now seeks to add another championship to his extraordinary tally with Ferrari. While the road ahead may not be easy, the challenge is what makes it exciting for one of F1’s most celebrated drivers. The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet, and Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is one to watch closely.