Eddie Jordan advises Leclerc to dominate from the start to beat Hamilton
After criticizing Ferrari's decision to opt for the seven-time world champion, the former team boss somewhat changed his mind, but not without offering some advice to Charles Leclerc, his future teammate.
From the start of the 2025 season, Eddie Jordan advises Charles Leclerc not to wait and to take the initiative. “I would strongly advise Leclerc to jump on his bike from the outset, as that’s when he will demonstrate a certain dominance,” he says on the podcast Formula For Success. For the former team boss, Leclerc must make a strong impact right away: “Leclerc has been here for seven years now, he knows everyone. He knows all the people and knows what to say, the language. He’s the darling of Maranello.” According to him, the Monegasque’s advantage lies in his familiarity with the team, whereas Hamilton will need time to find his bearings.
Hamilton will need time to adapt.
Even though he has been one of the biggest critics of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Eddie Jordan admits that the Englishman can bring a lot to the team, but he will need some time to adapt. “I think it will take him two or three races,” he indicates. According to Jordan, Hamilton will not immediately reach his usual level of performance. He will need to readjust to a new system, a new team, and a completely different dynamic than with Mercedes. “I don’t mean he should rush,” he specifies, suggesting that settling in might take a bit longer than expected, even for a driver of Hamilton’s caliber.
If Eddie Jordan took some time to accept Ferrari’s decision to hire Hamilton, he cannot ignore the considerable marketing impact that the Englishman represents. What I found incredibly catchy is the photo of Lewis Hamilton in that coat. It perfectly illustrates why Ferrari chose him. He’s part of the box office, absolutely, says Jordan. And he’s not the only one who thinks so. The photo received nearly six million “likes,” a figure that shows Hamilton is not just an excellent driver, but also a true global star. Jordan warns: I think you’ll see that this photo will be used for many years to come.
Hamilton, an asset far beyond the track
The Italian tifosi are known for their overwhelming passion, and Hamilton knows it well. Jordan predicts that the welcome for the driver will be phenomenal. “I also saw the photo of thousands of tifosi who came to take pictures, wish him good luck, just for a small reconnaissance trip with the car, so you can imagine what it will be like on the day of the Grand Prix,” he explains. For Eddie Jordan, Hamilton’s impact will not be solely sporting, as the Scuderia is well aware that the Englishman will attract crowds, sponsors, and media from around the world: “I think he will attract a huge number of people,” he states.
Hamilton’s first steps at Ferrari will be closely watched, but Jordan remains convinced that the seven-time champion will prevail. In the meantime, Leclerc will need to seize every opportunity to dominate and strengthen his status at Maranello before Hamilton gains momentum.
