30 April 2024 , 10:59
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Nico Rosberg has warned Lewis Hamilton that will be in for a "tough battle" with the "second-best qualifier" in F1 when he teams up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
Hamilton, 39, confirmed the shock decision back in February to leave Mercedes at the end of the season and move to Ferrari for 2025. Despite signing a new multi-year deal just eight months ago, the Brit has chosen to move on in "one of the hardest decisions" in his career.
"Of course, it came as a huge surprise," Rosberg told Sky Sports. "No-one expected it, and I didn’t expect it either. But if you look at the grand scheme of things, then why not?
"It's towards the end of his career. Two legendary teams - Mercedes and Ferrari. I know Lewis is a fan of Ferrari road cars, also. So why not make that switch and have a different experience, driving in red.
"Then he ticks off both boxes, driving for the two most legendary teams. By the way, at the moment, it seems in performance terms to be the right decision for him.
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“Maybe he will make an amazing move like 12 years ago when he moved from McLaren to Mercedes. McLaren were winning races, Mercedes were nowhere. The moment he moved, McLaren went backwards and Mercedes started winning races. Maybe he can get the same timing again."
With Hamilton set to join, Ferrari have decided to keep Leclerc and move on Carlos Sainz next season. That is a dynamic many F1 fans are looking forward to see unfolding, but Rosberg does not think there will be any conflict and has warned Hamilton that new team-mate Leclerc is one of the best qualifiers on the circuit.
Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari at the end of the season (Getty Images)"We are looking forward to that dynamic," Rosberg said. "Charles doesn't seem like someone who is in conflict with his teammate. From that point of view, maybe it won't be spicy.
"Charles is probably the second-best qualifier, apart from Max Verstappen. So it will be a tough battle for both. The level could be similar. It will be great to watch."
Hamilton, who has endured a difficult start to this season having picked up just 19 points from the opening five races, admitted he is "excited" about his new challenge with Ferrari.
Speaking earlier this year, Hamilton said: "I have had an amazing 11 years with this team and I'm so proud of what we have achieved together. Mercedes has been part of my life since I was 13 years old.
"It's a place where I have grown up, so making the decision to leave was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. But the time is right for me to take this step and I'm excited to be taking on a new challenge.
"I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto (Wolff, Mercedes' team principal) for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together."