Viladelprat: If Hamilton doesn't have a winning car, Leclerc will be quicker
F1 NewsSunday, 09 February 2025 at 07:30
Former Formula 1 senior race engineer, Joan Viladelprat has weighed in on Lewis Hamilton's high-profile move to Ferrari, questioning whether the seven-time world champion can thrive in Maranello.
Speaking to El Confidencial, formerly with McLaren, Benetton and Ferrari in Formula 1, Viladelprat shared his insights on Hamilton's prospects within the Scuderia’s unique environment.
Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari has been one of the biggest stories in Formula 1 in recent years. Viladelprat admitted he was surprised; he said: “Yes, I was surprised because Ferrari had a very balanced line-up with two extremely fast drivers.
"I couldn't say who was faster, as sometimes Carlos [Sainz] won, sometimes [Charles] Leclerc. And in races, Carlos could even be better than Leclerc.
“Ferrari has improved significantly with their contributions, especially Carlos. So it’s surprising to replace a driver who has been delivering strong results. But I understand the marketing value of signing a seven-time world champion," added Viladelprat.
According to Viladelprat, Hamilton's success at Ferrari will depend on the competitiveness of the car; he explained: “If he has a winning car, he will take down Leclerc and win the title. If the car isn’t good enough, Leclerc will be quicker, and Hamilton will struggle.”
Hamilton versus Leclerc the first order of Business at Ferrari in 2025
When asked about the seven-time F1 World Champion's focus, Viladelprat suggested that his broader interests could play a role in his performance.
“Hamilton has other interests outside Formula 1—music, fashion, many things," he pointed out. "He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone; his legacy is secure. If the car is competitive, he will be motivated. But if it's not, I don’t see him taking big risks, unlike drivers who feel the constant need to prove themselves.”
On whether Hamilton’s age could be a factor, Viladelprat dismissed the idea, saying: “It’s not about age, it’s about mentality and hunger.
"Look at Fernando [Alonso]—he is still hungry, and that makes him incredibly fast. Today’s cars aren’t as physically demanding as before, so age isn’t the issue. If Hamilton has a car that can win, he will still have the hunger. If not, it will be difficult," he maintained.
Viladelprat noted that Hamilton's one-lap pace had been inconsistent since the arrival of ground-effect cars and that qualifying could be a key challenge at Ferrari.
“If Leclerc beats him in qualifying regularly, it will put Hamilton on the back foot in races," he said. "And Hamilton has more to lose—if Leclerc is beaten, it’s by a seven-time world champion. But if Leclerc wins, it’s a huge statement.”
Ferrari’s internal politics also present a potential challenge for Hamilton according to the former F1 engineer who said: “Leclerc is very strong politically at Ferrari.
"He’s the golden boy, and many within the team expect him to be quicker. Hamilton is not a political driver, but he will expect the status of a seven-time world champion.
“At Ferrari, things are simple—if you are faster than Leclerc, you are number one. If not, it will be tough for Hamilton to assert himself," explained Viladelprat, who acknowledged that Ferrari operates differently from other teams.
Viladelprat: Leclerc is very strong politically at Ferrari
“Ferrari is bigger than any driver," he went on. "It’s the team that dominates, and if you don’t win, your personal stature diminishes. But winning a title with Ferrari is unlike winning with any other team.
"They have two ‘wild boars’—one a seven-time world champion and the other their long-term future. Managing that will be a huge challenge," reckoned Viladelprat.
Reflecting on how previous F1 world champions struggled at Ferrari, the 70-year-old Spanish engineer compared Hamilton’s situation to that of Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.
He said: “With Fernando, it was a mix of team mistakes, poor strategy calls, and a lack of stability. The team wasn’t as strong as it is now.
"With Vettel, Ferrari was never in a position to win consistently. Ferrari today is more stable and competitive. Their 2024 car won races, and there’s no major rule change in 2025. They have work to do to match McLaren, but they are in the fight.”
On Hamilton’s approach to adversity, Viladelprat expects him to push the team rather than complain; he said: “He won’t moan as much as Fernando, but he will demand changes to suit his driving style. The key question is whether his preferences align with Leclerc’s.”
Reflecting on Carlos Sainz’s unexpected Ferrari exit, Viladelprat acknowledged the psychological impact, he admitted: “The blow was brutal.
"He worked hard to get Ferrari to a competitive level, only to be pushed out. And then he chose Williams, which I find hard to understand.
"Who owns Williams? Their investors seem more focused on making the team profitable than turning it into a title contender.
"Sainz had other options. After Red Bull let go of Checo [Pérez], a seat was available there. But Verstappen didn’t want him. It will be a difficult year for Carlos, I have no doubt," ventured Viladelprat.
Viladelprat: Lewis won’t moan as much as Fernando
As for Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin, he sees reasons for optimism, he claimed: “The pieces are falling into place—the wind tunnel is ready, the factory is complete.
"They have stability, and Adrian Newey could provide technical insights. Aston Martin has real potential to be a title contender.”
Viladelprat also questioned Mercedes’ decision to replace Hamilton with Andrea Kimi Antonelli; he said: “Mercedes chose Antonelli over Sainz, which I struggle to understand.
"Antonelli has potential, but he hasn’t shown it yet, not even in Formula 2. Maybe they see something we don’t, but Carlos would have been a much safer bet.”
Viladelprat concluded by expressing his frustration with F1’s current direction; he said: "There are things I love about F1, but more and more I find myself disliking aspects of it.
"The strict regulations mean all cars look the same. If we painted them all black, no one would know which was which.
"The sport has become so controlled that teams and even drivers are restricted in what they can say. Every day, F1 is moving further away from what I used to love about it," lamented the F1 veteran.
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