The highly anticipated Ferrari SF-25 test has sparked major controversy, with Charles Leclerc expressing frustration at what he sees as preferential treatment for his new teammate Lewis Hamilton. The Monegasque driver, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, was left disappointed after the team focused more on ensuring Hamilton’s  car was in tip-top shape while his own did not receive the same level of attention.

According to sources close to the matter, Leclerc had expressed his concerns privately before some remarks began to surface, suggesting that Ferrari’s focus during testing may not have been as balanced as initially claimed. The initial enthusiasm around the SF-25’s performance was quickly overshadowed by internal tensions, with Leclerc feeling sidelined during crucial parts of the testing process.

While Ferrari had publicly stated that both drivers would have equal opportunity to assess the new car, inside sources now suggest that Hamilton’s car has received more care and adjustments, suggesting it could be biased. The seven-time world champion’s move to Ferrari was seen as a game-changer, but it appears to have created an unexpected power dynamic within the team, raising questions about how Ferrari will manage its driver line-up in 2025.

Leclerc’s frustration is due to several factors, including the fact that Ferrari’s testing programme has been crucial in determining the strengths and weaknesses of the SF-25 ahead of the upcoming season. Hamilton reportedly gave positive feedback on the car’s handling and performance, while Leclerc struggled with some aspects that he believes could have been addressed if his car had received the same level of attention.

One of the main issues appears to be the set-up and adaptation of the car. Ferrari’s technical team have worked tirelessly to optimise the SF-25, but Leclerc believes that priority has been given to ensuring Hamilton has the best possible experience in the test sessions. The Monegasque driver has long been considered the future of Ferrari, but with Hamilton’s arrival there are concerns that he could be relegated to a secondary role despite his talent and experience within the team.

This alleged internal favoritism has already sparked discussions about Ferrari’s long-term strategy. Some analysts believe Ferrari sees Hamilton as its best chance of winning a championship and could structure the team around his expertise. Others argue it would be a mistake to discredit Leclerc, given his deep understanding of the team and his ability to compete at the highest level.

Ferrari has yet to officially respond to the growing rumours, but if the concerns persist, the team could face early-season drama that could disrupt its championship ambitions. As the first race of the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Ferrari manages its driver dynamics and whether Leclerc’s frustrations will have an impact on team morale.

As the 2025 campaign approaches, one thing is clear: Ferrari may have built a competitive  car , but it now has another challenge to face: keeping its two star drivers happy and ensuring internal tensions do not overshadow its quest for glory.