Ferrari’s Culture Shock: Alesi on Hamilton’s Impact

Ferrari’s bid for the 2025 Formula 1 championship will feature what Lewis Hamilton himself calls “the strongest” driver lineup on the grid—pairing the seven-time world champion with Charles Leclerc.

The Hamilton-Ferrari partnership has sent shockwaves through the F1 world.

Jean Alesi, former F1 driver, believes Hamilton’s arrival has created a massive culture shift within the legendary Italian team.

“I absolutely love the fact that Hamilton is in a Ferrari. I feel most fans are behind him. At least I am behind him,” Alesi told Speedweek in a recent interview.

The announcement caught many by surprise earlier this year, ending the four-year partnership between Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

“I believe he can do it. This new chapter is incredibly exciting for him and for Ferrari,” Alesi continued.

Hamilton hasn’t just walked into Ferrari—he’s made an immediate impression.

“I still know a lot of people at Ferrari, and Hamilton impressed everyone there with his charisma and the way he introduced himself to the team,” Alesi revealed.

The cultural impact of bringing in a driver of Hamilton’s caliber can’t be overstated, though Alesi was quick to acknowledge Ferrari’s previous drivers.

“It was a culture shock for Ferrari to welcome such a champion—without discounting the successes of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.”

Rather than seeing Hamilton as a threat, Leclerc has publicly embraced the opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s greatest drivers.

Alesi thinks this partnership could elevate Leclerc’s performance to new heights.

“Charles will undoubtedly become even more competitive with such a champion by his side. Lewis will give him extra motivation,” he explained.

The mental aspect of this new teammate dynamic shouldn’t be underestimated.

“That’s Formula 1. You have to be not only fast, but also mentally strong, and I am convinced Leclerc will pass this test against Hamilton,” Alesi concluded.

With pre-season testing still months away, F1 fans are already buzzing about how this dream team might reshape the 2025 championship battle.