F1 News: Lewis Hamilton given Rosberg warning after Ferrari switch

The 2016 United States Grand Prix podium — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Hamilton given Rosberg F1 warning after Ferrari switch

Pundits are speculating whether Hamilton will be able to beat his new team-mate at Ferrari

Tyler Rowlinson

Wednesday 14 February 2024 18:57 Updated: 19:45

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Swiss commentator Marc Surer has warned that Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari may turn out the same as Michael Schumacher’s return to the sport with Mercedes – in that he could be outclassed by his team-mate.

Hamilton’s sensational move to Maranello sets up an exciting driver lineup of the seven-time world champion and Charles Leclerc, who recently signed a new long-term deal with the team.

Pundits have begun to discuss who will come out on top in this new Ferrari battle, and Surer is backing Leclerc to come out on top.

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Speaking on the Formula1.de YouTube channel, the former racing driver drew comparisons to that of Nico Rosberg and his tenure with Michael Schumacher when the latter returned to the sport in 2010.

Lewis Hamilton will partner Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2025

Pundits have discussed whether he will be able to beat his team-mate when he joins the team

Marc Surer has warned that Hamilton may struggle the same as Michael Schumacher did against his team-mate at Mercedes

Pundit warns Hamilton may struggle against Leclerc

In their three years together at Mercedes, Rosberg outperformed his team-mate and beat him in the standings in all three seasons, and Surer believes that the same could happen at Ferrari, in that Leclerc will surpass Hamilton when he joins the team.

“Leclerc is a big problem for [Hamilton] because Leclerc will be faster. Anything else would surprise me,” he explained.

“It reminds me a bit of the situation with Michael Schumacher during his comeback with Mercedes. A certain Nico Rosberg put him in his place.

“And Lewis Hamilton could feel the same way.”

Surer also commented on the upcoming season and how Mercedes’ season is in limbo as Hamilton prepares for his final season with the team.

“Mercedes now has to rely entirely on Russell,” Surer admitted.

“But they’re not allowed to, because you can’t give a seven-time World Champion second-class material. That means they have to treat both of them equally.

“That of course makes things difficult for Mercedes because they only have a chance against Max Verstappen if they rely on one.”