Hamilton backed for title fight as 'unbeatable' claim made

Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde has backed Lewis Hamilton to be involved in this year's title fight and recognises that Ferrari can make him "unbeatable" again.

For 2025, Hamilton has left Mercedes and joined Ferrari on a multi-year deal with his first outing in red having already taken place.

The seven-time world champion was met by 2,000 fans at Ferrari's Fiorano test track almost a fortnight ago, whilst earlier this week he was testing in Barcelona with Charles Leclerc. 

Whilst Hamilton did crash, Ferrari are expected to deliver a very strong package for the upcoming campaign.

Hamilton to Ferrari is one of the biggest moves in the history of F1, but one van der Garde is confident is very positive for the Briton.

"I think it's very bold," van der Garde told RacingNews365. "I think it's really nice that he was able to make that step. 

"Of course, he was totally comfortable at Mercedes. He was number one there, even though he might have had a bit of a tough time last year with his team-mate and the rest of the team.

"But I think he is very motivated to start a new season, especially with the new people. Of course it is very different to work with an English team than with an Italian team, because there is a lot of temperament involved. 

"But that team is upcoming, if you see what they've been through in the last few years and the strides they've made... Fred Vasseur obviously loves him and they've worked together before, so I definitely expect him to compete for the title and be there."

Hamilton against Leclerc

Of course, Hamilton's immediate challenge is Leclerc, who has been a key part of Ferrari for several years. 

He is the Maranello-based team's golden child and exceptional over one lap, something van der Garde expects Hamilton can learn from. 

However, in the former Caterham driver's opinion, Leclerc an also learn from Hamilton when it comes to race craft. 

The Dutchman recognises that Hamilton still has the ability to be untouchable, if given a car by Ferrari which suits his driving style.

"I do think the battle with Leclerc will be exciting," added the 39-year-old. "Leclerc is obviously incredibly good at qualifying, but I think they can learn a lot from each other. 

"Leclerc can of course do that from Hamilton in the race, because once he has a car and he is on pace, he is of course almost unbeatable. 

"But I think in terms of sharpness and over one lap Lewis can still learn a lot from Leclerc, so I think they can be complimentary of each other. I do think they are the strongest duo in the field, because they are two top drivers."