Leclerc was the only Ferrari driver to stand on the podium across the entirety of the Formula One season, with Hamilton seeing out his first-ever campaign without a single rostrum finish.

Justin Bell, renowned motorsport commentator and interviewer and host of the Drive to Wynn podcast, weighed in on Leclerc's 'bullish' F1 2025 performance.

“I think we do have to give credit to Leclerc," Bell said of Leclerc. “I think Charles has also got to the end of the year and just thrown everything at it.

Hill, agreeing with Bell's comments, upped the ante by stating Leclerc's year-round performance set him apart as a potential world champion.

“Yeah, I don’t think anyone can look at what Charles has done and not conclude that he’s an extremely fast racing driver and got the potential to become a world champion. They just need to give him the car," Hill added.

The 1996 F1 champion then turned his attention to Hamilton, and while he stated his fellow Briton had a better season finale than his Ferrari teammate, driving from P16 to P8, ultimately, Hamilton's season had been one to forget quickly.

"I think Lewis did have a better race [in Abu Dhabi]," Hill continued.

“I mean, the disappointment was massive then, but this season has been really a choker for him,” Hill concluded.

Alpine has started up its 2026 Formula 1 car, dubbed the A526, marking a new era as the team switches from its in-house power unit to Mercedes engines. Read the full story here.

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