'17 to 18 podiums' - Former F1 driver makes extraordinary Hamilton prediction

Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde has predicted that Lewis Hamilton will claim "17 to 18 podiums" across his first season with Ferrari. 

The seven-time world champion left Mercedes at the end of 2024 to become a Ferrari driver, with the Briton having already had several weeks to adjust to wearing red. 

Expectations have been set incredibly high for Hamilton's maiden Ferrari campaign, to the extent that many have included him in discussions surrounding the drivers' title this year. 

This Sunday's Australian Grand Prix will mark Hamilton's only chance to win on his debut for the team, with Van der Garde being a huge fan of the 40-year-old's move.

"I like it more and more, I have to be honest," the former F1 driver stated in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365. 

"It remains very cool, though, that you see him driving out every time with that yellow helmet on, which he also had while karting. The colour was a little different then, but it's just nice. 

"The story is right, he's super driven and I like that instead of those cool, weird outfits, he's just wearing his Ferrari outfit now. 

"Just getting back to normal, making sure you stand there and perform. I'm very curious to see how he's going to do, the first few races."

Leclerc challenge

Despite the magic of Hamilton moving to Ferrari, he does face an interesting challenge in the form of Charles Leclerc. 

Leclerc has often been mesmeric in qualifying, whilst Hamilton's strength is very much race day. Van der Garde is intrigued to see how this will play out.

"It won't be easy, because of course he knows that Leclerc is super strong during qualifying," added Van der Garde. 

"But on the other hand, Hamilton still has it. I think that although he will struggle in qualifying, he will actually have an advantage in the race. There he is just one of the strongest of the whole field."

Given that the two Ferrari drivers have different strengths, Van der Garde believes Hamilton and Leclerc can actually learn from each other. 

However, for that to happen in Hamilton's case, the former Caterham driver has pinpointed the importance of the Briton having a car with a stable rear. 

"But above all, I think they can learn from each other," he insisted. "Leclerc can learn how to drive a race the way a Hamilton can, and Hamilton in turn can learn how to get the maximum out of it during qualifying. 

"But of course, it also depends a little bit on.... Do you get the confidence in the car and is the feeling right? 

"Surely Hamilton needs a car that is very strong on the back end, but once he gets it he can show great things." 

Overall, Van der Garde expects 2025 to be a very strong season for Hamilton, who he predicts will enjoy a remarkable number of appearances on the podium.

"I do think he will take about seventeen to eighteen podiums anyway. Here goes!" Van der Garde concluded.