Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have enjoyed a cordial start to life as Ferrari team-mates, but it remains to be seen how racing against each other will affect their relationship

Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has reportedly divided opinion amongst Ferrari’s Tifosi with expectations for either a “dream team” or a “not easy” period for Charles Leclerc. Hamilton is racing in red this season having signed a multi-year contract to become Leclerc’s newest Ferrari team-mate.

Italian journalist Roberto Chincero says a “Hamilton mania” has already begun in the country ahead of the 40-year-old Briton’s arrival, which he believes will require a heavy police presence to manage large crowds that are expected to gather on the streets near Ferrari’s headquarters.

After a qualifying defeat in 2024, Nico Rosberg warned Lewis Hamilton that Charles Leclerc may have the edge to start the F1 2025 season.

Hamilton's first official Ferrari outing will come at the Sakhir circuit test in late February. Meanwhile, the seven-time champion's race debut for the Scuderia will be at the Australian Grand Prix in March. Click here to purchase the replica Ferrari baseball cap so you can rep the Scuderia just in time for Hamilton’s arrival!

After a distinguished 12-year tenure with Mercedes, where he secured seven World Championships and 105 Grand Prix wins, Hamilton has switched teams for the 2025 Formula 1 season.