F1 legend adamant: 'Putting my money on Ferrari this season'
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Formula 1 legend Gerhard Berger sees Ferrari as a serious title contender for 2025. The former McLaren and Ferrari driver believes that the Scuderia are favourites for the world title, he is unsure whether the Italians will win a driver's or constructors title. The Austrian also believes the battle within the team between Hamilton and Leclerc is far too close to call, but the battle the pair produce will be an exciting dynamic to watch throughout the 2025 season.
Berger admits: 'Putting my money on Ferrari'
"I would put my money on Ferrari this season," he states in conversation with Auto Motor und Sport. "I cannot say whether it will be Hamilton or Leclerc and whether it will be a drivers' or constructors' championship, but they are going to win a title. That's the impression I get." He argues that Ferrari was fast almost every weekend in 2024, apart from a few slip-ups, and that he is confident team boss Fred Vasseur can build on this. "It has taken a while, but I think they are pretty close. They are well tuned in terms of engine and chassis and have top drivers at their disposal."
Team boss Fred Vasseur was also praised by Berger for the job that he has done so far at the helm. "He is calm, deliberate, sharp and delivers results. It was a good decision by Ferrari to contract him." According to Berger, it was always clear that it would take some time for success to show. Vasseur previously worked with Lewis Hamilton in his GP2 days and was instrumental in his signing. All the pieces of the puzzle now seem to be falling into place as Ferrari has clearly cemented itself as a strong contender for both world titles. "Vasseur will bring Ferrari back to the top," he said.
Berger: Hamilton can deliver a 'top performance' at Ferrari
Berger also believes that Hamilton needed new motivation after a few tough years with Mercedes. The move to Ferrari will do him good, the 10-time Grand Prix winner states. "He had been with the same team for so long that only a change of scenery would help. Finishing fifth is not a result that motivates Hamilton. He is really going to grit his teeth again at Ferrari and could certainly produce top performances again." He does, however, add a comment. "On the other hand, I think he will struggle with Leclerc's speed. This is going to be a very exciting season."
This article was written in collaboration with Kim Hoefnagel
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