Leclerc Touted as Verstappen's True Rival as Hamilton's Ferrari Move Falters
Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese names Charles Leclerc as the only driver who can truly compete with Max Verstappen, as Lewis Hamilton's struggles at Ferrari continue and Mercedes reflects on a "painful" P2 finish.
The F1 paddock is abuzz with post-season analysis, with former driver Riccardo Patrese declaring Charles Leclerc the only true challenger to Max Verstappen's dominance, even over Lando Norris. This comes as Lewis Hamilton's difficult first season at Ferrari is laid bare, marked by a lack of advice from his teammate and struggles to adapt, while his former team, Mercedes, grapples with the "pain" of finishing a distant second in the Constructors' Championship.
Why it matters:
The search for a legitimate rival to Max Verstappen remains the central narrative that will define the excitement of future F1 seasons. Simultaneously, Hamilton's performance at Ferrari is a massive storyline impacting the legacy of a seven-time champion and the fortunes of an iconic team. Meanwhile, Mercedes' reaction to their P2 finish reveals a winning mentality unwilling to accept being "best of the rest," setting the stage for a fierce development battle.
The details:
- The Verstappen Rival: Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese sparked debate by stating that Charles Leclerc, not Lando Norris, is the "only driver who can compete with" Max Verstappen, suggesting even the new World Champion would struggle in equal machinery.
- Hamilton's Ferrari Isolation: Charles Leclerc revealed he has not offered advice to struggling teammate Lewis Hamilton for two key reasons: his primary focus is on his own performance, and he feels underqualified to counsel a seven-time World Champion. Leclerc out-scored Hamilton by 86 points in 2025.
- Verstappen's Theory: Max Verstappen weighed in on Hamilton's woes, attributing them to the psychological impact of leaving his "second family" at Mercedes and not yet feeling "secure or comfortable" at Ferrari.
- Mercedes' Mindset: George Russell admitted his new Mercedes contract was fueled by a desire to feel "appreciated" amid rumors of a Verstappen move. Team principal Toto Wolff underscored the team's ambition by calling the 364-point gap to McLaren in the Constructors' Championship "painful" and stating there was no celebration for second place.
Looking Ahead:
The 2025 season has set the stage for compelling storylines heading into 2026. All eyes will be on Ferrari to see if Leclerc can translate this perceived potential into a genuine title challenge and if Hamilton can reverse his fortunes. For Mercedes, the "pain" of P2 will likely fuel an aggressive development push to close the significant gap to McLaren and reclaim their spot at the top.