As Ferrari enters a new era with Lewis Hamilton joining Charles Leclerc, former F1 driver Roberto Merhi believes Leclerc is more likely to lead the team’s title charge.
Hamilton’s high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari has dominated headlines, with many predicting another showdown with Verstappen.
Some, like Tom Coronel, even foresee a dramatic 2021-style championship decider. However, Merhi sees things differently.
Why Leclerc Has the Edge Over Hamilton
Merhi argues that Leclerc’s familiarity with Ferrari and his influence on the development of the SF-25 give him a distinct advantage.
“I think Ferrari can be World Champions,” Merhi said, “but more with Charles Leclerc than with Lewis Hamilton.
“It’s Charles’ house, the Ferrari is very much made for him. Ferrari has nothing to do with Mercedes.”
Hamilton’s Adaptation Challenge
While Hamilton is a seven-time champion, he has struggled in the ground-effect era. Mercedes’ Andrew Shovlin previously pointed out that Hamilton excelled in the previous regulations but found it harder to adapt to the current cars.
“He relied on those elements and that was how you generated performance in the previous set of regulations,” Shovlin explained. “He has struggled more with the way these cars run.”
Hamilton finished seventh in the 2024 standings, his worst career result, despite securing two race wins. While he remains optimistic about his Ferrari future, Merhi questions how quickly he can adjust.
With Ferrari showing strong form last season and Leclerc deeply embedded within the team, many believe this could be his best shot at a maiden title.