Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc tipped for ‘showdown’ grand prix to reveal Ferrari’s true No 1
Hamilton will join Leclerc on the team for the new Formula 1 season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Monaco Grand Prix could be the “showdown” that decides the hierarchy between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, according to former car designer Gary Anderson.
Hamilton will join Leclerc at Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season, having inked a multi-year deal before the 2024 campaign. The move marks the end of the Briton’s 11-year spell with Mercedes, with whom Hamilton won seven drivers’ titles.
The 39-year-old replaces Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, with Leclerc having been the de facto No 1 at the team over the last few years. And ahead of the 2025 season, many fans have wondered whether Hamilton will usurp Leclerc in that role, or whether the Monegasque will retain his spot.
Hamilton has the pedigree, while Leclerc, 27, has the greater form in recent years – six race wins since 2021, compared to Hamilton’s two. For Anderson, a pundit and former F1 car designer, Leclerc’s home grand prix in Monaco could prove decisive.
“For Charles Leclerc, there won’t be the same family-team atmosphere that Sainz brought to Ferrari,” wrote Anderson for The Race. “Yes, they had their battles, but resolved most of them amicably.
“With Hamilton, a seven-time champion, joining, it could be completely different. Ferrari has already backed him to the hilt in paying him way more than Leclerc, and I think it will do the same – back Hamilton – for the first part of the season at least, which could rile Leclerc.
“I think Monaco will be the showdown: both are good there but Leclerc is exceptional.”
Hamilton is a three-time winner at the Monaco Grand Prix, which is scheduled for 25 May this year, while Leclerc finally won the race last season. The 27-year-old won from pole, having failed to do so in 2021 and 2022.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments