Lewis Hamilton has been told he might have “two or three” Formula 1 races to prove his speed in 2025 amid rumours Ferrari could impose team orders against him.
The Briton endured a challenging campaign with Mercedes last time around, which culminated in him stating at the Qatar Grand Prix that he is “not fast anymore”.
Hamilton, whose Mercedes team-mate George Russell out-qualified him 18 times in 24 races, is set to have to step up his game against Scuderia stalwart Charles Leclerc.
The Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport has touted that the seven-time F1 champion’s initial outings will be “decisive in establishing a new hierarchical order”.
In the circumstance where his one-lap struggles under the current ground effect regulations continue at Ferrari, Hamilton could be resigned to a support role to Leclerc.
Former F1 driver-turned-pundit Martin Brundle has corroborated this possibility, warning Hamilton that he will need to get up to speed fast in order to assert himself.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Brundle said: “He’s got to do that. He’s got to use his experience.
“There are no excuses at this level for anybody, even the rookies, but you might give the rookies half a season to get their act together, maximum.
“They will expect somebody like Lewis to have aced the people around him and the car within two or three races, to be honest.”
But Brundle has also warned anyone who is tempted to write off the former Mercedes man, adding: “Never underestimate Lewis Hamilton.”
Hamilton under risk of Vasseur’s ‘action’
Hamilton joins Ferrari with an ally in place, in the form of Team Principal Fred Vasseur, who was Hamilton’s team boss at ART in his title-winning GP2 triumph in 2006.
However, the Frenchman will be under no illusion to go lightly on Hamilton, who will prioritise results above all else.
Speaking in 2022 ahead of starting his role as Team Principal, Vasseur made it clear that imposing priority to one driver over another – then Carlos Sainz with Leclerc – would always be an option should the situation necessitate it.
“There is a clear situation, it’s the same everywhere – we have two very good drivers and both of them are able to do a job,” he said.
“We will have the capacity to provide them with the same car, the same structure and the same support.
“What is clear is that the target is to win with Ferrari – and for Ferrari.
“There will be no number one and number two, but if at one stage we have to take action then we will take action.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s for one or the other, but if at one stage in the season we have to do something, then I will do it.”
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