Nico Rosberg warns Lewis Hamilton before his duel with Charles Leclerc
Nico Rosberg has warned his former F1 teammate Lewis Hamilton that he faces a huge challenge from Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton will become Charles Leclerc’s teammate as he embarks on a new chapter of his F1 career with Ferrari, following a spectacular transfer from Mercedes.
The seven-time world champion will compete against Charles Leclerc, considered by many to be the fastest over a lap. Although Lewis Hamilton holds the absolute record for pole positions in F1 with 104, he has struggled in qualifying in recent seasons, suffering a crushing 19-5 defeat to his former Mercedes teammate, George Russell, last year.
Nico Rosberg gives his opinion
Nico Rosberg, who had beaten Lewis Hamilton to win the world title in 2016 before retiring from F1, believes that his former teammate will need to elevate his level if he wants to surpass the Monegasque.
When asked who he thinks will come out on top between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg replied to Sky F1: « If you take [Abu Dhabi], then clearly Charles. Because Charles will be at a similar level to George Russell, who is probably the best of the new generation, except for Verstappen, [who] is still a bit above, and Lewis is struggling right now, without us really knowing why. »
« So, if we base it on today, then Charles will beat him in the same way that George Russell beat him – but Lewis is the greatest of all time. We still give him the benefit of the doubt that he can return to his usual best level, and in that case, he should be slightly ahead of Charles by the end of the year. »
Read also: Return on the first day of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari
A year to bounce back?
Anthony Davidson, former F1 driver and consultant for Sky, believes that Lewis Hamilton can be given the benefit of the doubt regarding his difficulties in qualifying during a difficult last season with Mercedes in 2024.
« I think they hope that his flame will reignite when he gets into this car, and that he will find his mojo », said Anthony Davidson.
« This year [2024] has been particularly difficult for Lewis. As a former driver, I cannot imagine what it must be like to go through an entire season knowing that you will stop, knowing that this relationship will end. »
« That must have been complicated for Lewis. I think that’s why he has been a bit inconsistent. Give him the benefit of the doubt. »
The performance of Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, and his ability to solve his recent problems on a fast lap, should dominate discussions of the 2025 season. He will make his race debut with Ferrari on March 16, during the season-opening Grand Prix in Melbourne.
