P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for a switch to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 campaign as he closes the curtain on his chapter with Mercedes.
Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok believes Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying may be affecting his mindset ahead of his move to Ferrari. Hamilton and teammate George Russell were closely matched in qualifying last season, but Russell has now taken the lead with a 16-5 advantage this year. Despite Hamilton’s record 104 pole positions, he faces a tough challenge against Charles Leclerc, who is considered one of the best qualifiers on the grid. Chandhok doubts if Hamilton can match Leclerc’s speed over one lap, but still sees him as a contender for the championship in the right car. Chandhok suggests that a new team like Ferrari could rejuvenate Hamilton’s motivation and help him overcome his recent struggles in qualifying. Hamilton’s own comments indicate that his qualifying performance has been a source of concern for him, despite his impressive track record.