Rosberg: Hamilton and Leclerc level could be very similar

Hamilton shocked the F1 world when he announced that he will race for Ferrari in 2025 after 12 years and six F1 Titles with Mercedes.

His former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg admits he was also taken by surprise by the announcement but understands the Briton's rationale.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Rosberg said: "Of course it came as a huge surprise; no one expected it, I didn’t expect it either.

"But if you look at the grand scheme of things, then why not? It’s towards the end of the career… there’s two legendary teams, it’s Mercedes and Ferrari.

"I know Lewis has always been a big fan of Ferrari road cars also, so why not make that switch and have a different experience driving in red? Then he can really tick off both boxes, he’s driven for the two most legendary teams," the German added.

Hamilton's decision seems to be an inspired one at a time when Mercedes are struggling to put a decent F1 car on track, the eight-time Constructors' Champions seemingly unable to get their heads around the current set of "ground effect" rules.

Rosberg commented: "By the way, at the moment, it also seems in performance terms to be the right decision for him. Maybe he makes an amazing move like at the time, 12 years ago, when he moved from McLaren to Mercedes.

"McLaren were winning races, Mercedes were nowhere, and the moment he moved McLaren went backwards and Mercedes started winning races. Maybe he can get the same stroke of… well, the same timing done again," he pointed out.

However, at Ferrari, Hamilton will have to go up against one of the best talents of the current F1 generation with Monegasque Leclerc, a product of the Ferrari junior driver program and a Tifosi sweetheart.

So how will the intra-team dynamics be between the 2025 Ferrari driver pairing? Rosberg said: "Of course, we’re all looking forward to that dynamic.

"Charles doesn’t seem like someone who goes into conflict too much with his team mate, so that will make it easier. From that point of view, maybe it won’t be too extremely spicy.

"Nevertheless, Charles is probably the second-best qualifier out there after Max Verstappen, one could possibly say at the moment.

"It’s going to be a tough battle for both, really. I think the level could be pretty similar. It will be great to watch," Rosberg, a winner of 23 grands prix, concluded.

If Rosberg is right, then Ferrari will not have to deal with any driver animosity like the one Mercedes had to manage when he was teammate to Hamilton at Mercedes.