Charles Leclerc’s dominance for Ferrari in 2025 has outshone the anticipated debut of Lewis Hamilton, who joined the Italian team after a decade with Mercedes. The much-anticipated move saw Hamilton face formidable competition, with Leclerc emerging as the clear frontrunner within the team.
Tim Coronel, a Dutch racing driver, shared his disappointment regarding Hamilton’s challenges adapting to Ferrari and spoke highly of Leclerc, highlighting how swiftly Leclerc has asserted his status among Formula 1’s elite drivers. Coronel remarked that Hamilton’s widespread reputation and the excitement around his switch did not translate into the success many expected during his inaugural season at Maranello.
Despite optimism that Hamilton’s experience as a seven-time world champion would lead to instant success at Ferrari, the British driver struggled to reach the podium throughout 2025. Leclerc, recognized as one of the fastest drivers on the grid, took full advantage, consistently outperforming his new teammate and strengthening his standing in the F1 field, which includes top competitors like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Esteban Ocon.
Coronel Expresses Regret Over Hamilton’s Difficult Transition
Coronel emphasized his regret at watching Hamilton’s difficulties unfold, stating that it was disappointing to witness a champion struggling to adjust at Ferrari. He cited Leclerc’s fierce competitiveness, honed alongside rivals like Verstappen and Norris, as a reason Hamilton found himself falling short:
“Leclerc is really fast. He’s a beast. Don’t forget that Leclerc grew up in the Max, Norris, Ocon era. Those four made each other so strong. But Hamilton has fallen far short of that beast. I think that’s a real shame,” Coronel told RacingNews365.
Coronel’s commentary illustrates the formidable environment within Ferrari, as Leclerc’s intense determination left little room for Hamilton to assert himself in the team’s lineup during a turbulent season.
Looking Ahead: Hopes for Hamilton’s Comeback
Despite a tough debut, Coronel expressed hope for Hamilton to bounce back under the new Formula 1 regulations set for 2026. The Italian team, which dropped to fourth place in the constructor standings after holding runner-up status in 2024, remains optimistic about a resurgence. Internally, both Ferrari and Hamilton are pursuing a turnaround, bolstered by expectations that upcoming regulatory changes could present fresh opportunities.
Coronel also spoke candidly about his personal expectations for Hamilton, calling him a “true hero” and reflecting on the elements he thought would favor the Briton—particularly the supportive atmosphere in Italy and his relationship with team principal Fred Vasseur:
“I actually think it’s a bit sad. Let’s be honest, Lewis Hamilton is a true hero. I expected him to settle down in a warm and welcoming environment. I thought: Italy, warm weather, good food, a cozy atmosphere, Fred Vasseur already knew him from their time together in GP2,” said Coronel.
“I really thought he would revive, that we’d see the old Hamilton again, that we’d see that fire in him again. But I’ve actually seen him decline even further,” he added.
Statistics reflect the extent of Hamilton’s struggles: he concluded the 2025 season in sixth place overall, trailing his teammate Leclerc in fifth by 86 points. Notably, Hamilton failed to achieve a single podium finish throughout the campaign, with his only highlight being a victory in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race.
Leclerc’s Ascendancy and Ferrari’s Prospects
As Ferrari prepares for a new era of competition, Charles Leclerc’s rise continues to be a central storyline. His ability to outperform an established world champion like Hamilton underscores Ferrari’s confidence in their future. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton and his supporters hope that with experience—alongside evolving regulations—the forthcoming season may offer a fresh start and a chance to return to winning form within the iconic scarlet red overalls.
