Former Formula 1 driver and Ferrari ambassador Marc Gené believes that Ferrari currently has the strongest driver line-up on the grid, praising the dynamic between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as both professional and mutually motivating.
With seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton making his much-publicized switch from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, the Scuderia now fields an all-star pairing alongside longtime Ferrari talent Charles Leclerc — and insiders like Gené say the chemistry is already paying dividends.
“It’s the best,” Gené said on the Beyond the Grid podcast. “I don’t think you can have a better line-up.”
Leclerc’s Maturity Meets Hamilton’s Legendary Status
Gené highlighted Leclerc’s growth since joining Ferrari, citing his time alongside both Carlos Sainz and Sebastian Vettel as formative experiences.
“Charles is at a very good point in his career – he’s matured so much,” Gené said. “He’s been lucky to have had two great teammates in Carlos and Seb. Now, with Lewis, they’re pushing each other. There’s no politics. They genuinely work well together.”
Despite a rocky start to the season for Ferrari, Gené remains optimistic, noting the team is laying the foundation for future success with its SF-25 package still under development.
Sainz’s Exit Makes Way for a ‘Mutual Love Affair’
While Gené expressed sympathy for Carlos Sainz, who has since moved to Williams, he ultimately supports Ferrari’s decision to bring Hamilton onboard.
“Of course, I was sorry for Carlos,” Gené admitted. “But when you have the opportunity to have Lewis in the team — and it was a love affair, a mutual love affair — you understand the decision.”
Ferrari Eyes Consistency as Season Progresses
After five races, Ferrari currently sits fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 78 points, trailing McLaren by 110. Leclerc ranks fifth in the Drivers’ Standings with 47 points, while Hamilton follows in seventh with 31 points.
Team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasized patience and confidence in the team’s long-term vision, stating he’s “2000% behind” Hamilton and remains confident the Briton will deliver as the season evolves.
“The potential is there,” Vasseur recently told media following Hamilton’s Sprint win in China.
Looking Ahead: Ferrari’s Formula 1 Future
Ferrari’s Hamilton-Leclerc pairing is a bold statement of intent for a team seeking to end its long title drought. With proven speed, growing synergy, and mutual respect, the Scuderia could be on the verge of a new golden era — provided they can extract more consistent performance from the SF-25.
