With the brand new Ferrari SF-25, rivals are strongly backing Lewis Hamilton for the F1 drivers’ championship. Following the conclusion of the F1-75 LIVE occasion, it’s time to take Maranello’s new single-seater to the monitor. Right now, February 19, the workforce will already be on monitor at Fiorano for the 200 km allowed by the filming day— a shakedown that guarantees solutions (albeit partial ones) forward of Bahrain.
The night on the O2 Enviornment didn’t disappoint expectations. It was a brand new occasion, nonetheless in want of fine-tuning, however absolutely in step with Liberty Media and Components 1’s communication technique. The vehicles on show have been merely showcars to current the liveries, however the groups compensated by sharing renders of their actual single-seaters on social media.
Probably the most anticipated automobile, surely, was Ferrari. With a livery that aligns with current leaks, the SF-25 was launched to the Components 1 world. A automobile that’s “99% new” and, at first look, seems actually full of improvements. The drivers’ pleasure was palpable, each sharing the identical dream: to grow to be champions with the Prancing Horse.
Hamilton and Leclerc: the primary rival is the teammate
The Briton and the Monegasque have robust causes to goal for the championship. One needs to enter legend by securing an eighth title that maybe ought to have already been his in 2021. The opposite needs to lastly start his story by claiming the world crown that has appeared like a mere mirage for years. The younger (not a lot anymore) and the veteran, each reinvigorated by the Crimson that makes hearts race.
The power of the equipment will, after all, be essential. However even when the SF-25 outclasses the remainder of the grid, one rival will stand out above all: their very own teammate. It will likely be a real generational battle, the place Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will compete for the drivers’ title—one thing each dream of greater than anything.
A romantic SF-25 with Hamilton as champion
Whereas the grid is nicely conscious of #16’s talents, the query stays about Lewis Hamilton’s untapped potential. Rivals, nevertheless, are strongly backing the Briton: “If he begins nicely, if the workforce helps him, if he finds confidence in himself, and if he harnesses that vitality, then I see him as an actual title contender,” says Christian Horner.
“Loads will depend upon how nicely he integrates with the workforce within the first a part of the season. Everyone knows what Lewis is able to, and if he finds new vitality in a distinct surroundings, I believe he might grow to be a significant component to look at this 12 months.”
This opinion is shared by Max Verstappen and Zak Brown, who’ve little bother envisioning Lewis Hamilton combating for the world title. One factor is for certain: whereas managing two potential “alpha males in the identical henhouse” is all the time dangerous, actually believing they will combat for the highest of the championship standings is already a small victory for Ferrari after years of vacancy.
Supply: f1ingenerale