The parallel challenges facing Ferrari and Ducati in 2025
Two Italian teams, in their respective disciplines of Formula 1 and MotoGP, have welcomed world champions into their ranks for the 2025 season. How they manage them will be crucial.
On the eve of Lewis Hamilton’s grand arrival at Ferrari, Ducati organized a special event in the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio, where it unveiled its latest recruit: Marc Márquez.
There are undeniable parallels between the six-time MotoGP world champion and the seven-time F1 world champion as they join Italian teams in hopes of securing a new title. While Ducati has comfortably dominated the constructor standings in MotoGP, Ferrari hasn’t won the equivalent in F1 since 2007.
Ducati, driven by the technical genius Gigi Dall’Igna, has led the race for development in MotoGP since 2022. Ferrari, on the other hand, seemed to have an advantage at the beginning of the new regulatory era in F1 in 2022, but has since been surpassed by Red Bull and McLaren.
Mixed receptions
Overall, the arrival of Lewis Hamilton was well received, as evidenced by the turnout during his first drive at the wheel of a Ferrari. However, two notable figures criticized Ferrari’s decision to recruit the 40-year-old driver.
The former Ferrari boss, Mattia Binotto, stated that he would not have signed him if he were still in the position, while former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher also expressed reservations.
For its part, Ducati acknowledged that the arrival of Marc Márquez had sparked mixed reactions in Italy. The team preferred the Spaniard over Jorge Martin to be Francesco Bagnaia’s teammate, a choice that is divisive.
Marc Márquez, once perceived as a fierce rival of Ducati, notably fueled an intense controversy in Italy after his conflict with Valentino Rossi, in 2015. Their confrontation on the track in Malaysia marked a turning point, and the tensions have never completely subsided.
A point to prove
Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes because he felt that Ferrari offered him the best opportunity to clinch an eighth world title. Meanwhile, Marc Márquez joined Ducati to ride a more competitive motorcycle.
The Briton proved he was still at the top with his victories at Silverstone and Spa last season, while Marc Márquez shone with Gresini by winning three races at Aragón, Misano, and Phillip Island — ending a wait of 1,000 days after injuries that could have ended his career.
Both still have the potential to expand their record and are determined to silence the skeptics.
Management, a key factor
This is the first time since 2014 that Ferrari has lined up two top drivers. At the time, the partnership between Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen only lasted one season, with Ferrari finishing only fourth in the championship, in a hybrid era largely dominated by Mercedes.
The acceptance of Lewis Hamilton by Charles Leclerc will be crucial. Ferrari has been built around the Monegasque, and Lewis Hamilton arrives as an outsider. Yet, with the excitement generated by his arrival, he could surpass Charles Leclerc in terms of notoriety, which could influence the internal dynamics of the team.
Ducati faces a similar situation. Having Francesco Bagnaia, double MotoGP world champion, alongside his direct rival will require fine management. The tensions between them are not new: they clashed in Portugal last year and might well fight for victory again. It’s a new challenge for Ducati, which will have to maintain harmony within the team while ensuring fair competition.
For now, Ferrari and Ducati are taking advantage of the media enthusiasm and publicity surrounding their new recruits. But once the season starts, managing their drivers will become a determining factor.
