Rosberg warns Hamilton: Leclerc challenge biggest test yet

Nico Rosberg has issued a cautionary message to his former Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, predicting that the Briton will face a significant challenge going up against Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2025.

The seven-time world champion’s high-profile switch to the Scuderia marks a new chapter in his illustrious career, but Rosberg believes Hamilton will need to step up to match his new teammate.

The F1 veteran Hamilton, who holds the all-time record for pole positions with 104, has struggled in qualifying in recent years.

His one-lap pace came under scrutiny after a difficult 2024 season, where he suffered a resounding 19-5 defeat in head-to-head qualifying battles against his younger Mercedes teammate, George Russell.

Charles Leclerc, on the other hand, is widely regarded as a master of the Saturday afternoon exercise thanks to his ability extract every ounce of performance from his car over a single lap.

Rosberg: Leclerc Has the Edge for Now

Speaking to Sky F1, Rosberg was asked who he believes will have the upper hand between the two Ferrari chargers when F1 kicks into gear in Melbourne next March.

“If you take [Abu Dhabi], then definitely Charles,” the German predicted.

“Because Charles will be on a similar level to George Russell, which is kind of the best of the next generation level, except for Verstappen, [who] was a little higher again, and Lewis is just struggling at the moment, and we don’t really know why.

“So if it’s as of today, then Charles will beat him in the same way as George Russell is beating him – but Lewis is the greatest of all time.

“We still give him the benefit of the doubt that he can be back to his usual best, and then he should be slightly ahead of Charles at the end of the year.”

Rosberg’s comments underscore the pressure Hamilton will face in adapting to his new surroundings at Ferrari, particularly after a challenging final year with Mercedes.

Hamilton Deserves the Benefit of the Doubt

Sky Sports pundit and former F1 driver Anthony Davidson echoed Rosberg’s sentiment, and siggested that Hamilton’s struggles in 2024 may have been influenced by his impending departure from Mercedes.

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“I think they’re hoping that his fire is rekindled when he gets into that car, and that he can find his mojo again,” Davidson said.

“This year [2024] has been particularly tough for Lewis. I can’t imagine, as an ex-driver myself, feeling for a whole season, knowing you’re going to stop, knowing that relationship is going to end.

“It must have been tricky for Lewis. I think that’s why he’s been a bit up and down. Give him that benefit of the doubt.”

A High-Stakes Rivalry

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sparked excitement and intrigue across the F1 paddock. The dynamic between the Briton and Leclerc is poised to be one of the defining storylines of the 2025 season, particularly with Ferrari aiming to return to championship contention.

Leclerc, who has consistently outperformed teammates during his time at Ferrari, will be eager to assert himself as the team leader.

For Hamilton, the challenge lies in rediscovering the consistency and one-lap speed that made him a qualifying master in his prime.

Whether Ferrari’s new driver can rise to the occasion and silence any doubts about his recent form remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the dynamics between the Scuderia’s drivers will be fascinating to watch in 2025, with plenty of fireworks likely in store.

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