As the dust settles on the thrilling conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season, where Lando Norris of McLaren claimed the championship title in a nail-biting finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the spotlight shifts to the festive spirit within the Ferrari team. In a delightful video released on Ferrari’s social media platforms, racing legends Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc put their competitive instincts aside to engage in a light-hearted ranking of their favorite Christmas films.
In this jovial exchange, Hamilton and Leclerc are seen chuckling as they sift through a selection of holiday classics presented to them. After a grueling season fraught with challenges behind the wheel of the SF-25, this moment of levity was a refreshing change. The two drivers playfully reminisced about their generational differences, with Leclerc, born in 1997, sheepishly admitting to missing several of the iconic films that Hamilton, a seasoned 1985 baby, has cherished since childhood.
“There are some on here I haven’t watched, simply because I wasn’t born yet,” Leclerc quipped, prompting laughter from Hamilton. The camaraderie was palpable as they debated their picks, ultimately declaring Will Ferrell’s beloved film Elf as their top choice in this festive ranking. Other favorites included the timeless classic Home Alone 2, the enchanting The Polar Express, and the unconventional holiday favorite, Die Hard.
Their selections didn’t stop there. The duo also honored the quirky charm of The Grinch and the musical delight of Spirited as part of their top picks, showcasing an eclectic mix of holiday cheer that reflects their personalities.
The season wasn’t just about festive fun for the Ferrari drivers, however. On the track, Leclerc wrapped up the season in fifth place with a commendable 242 points, achieving seven podium finishes. Hamilton followed closely, finishing sixth with 156 points, highlighting the struggles both drivers faced throughout what proved to be a challenging year for Scuderia Ferrari.
Team principal Fred Vasseur offered a candid reflection on the season’s ups and downs, acknowledging, “You always have positive and negative into the season. We had positive points this season, but probably less than negative.” He commended the team’s strategic execution and reliability while emphasizing the need for improvement in crucial areas.
The challenges were evident early in the season with a setback in Bahrain and a disqualification in China that severely impacted their momentum. Vasseur noted, “If you have a look at this, over this first part of the season, we lost one or ten points on McLaren. And we were two or three tenths behind them at this stage of the season. And it was almost gone.”
Despite these hurdles, Vasseur expressed pride in how the team regrouped, stating, “I was quite happy with the reaction of the team, honestly. Because we came back in three or four races. We came back in a decent pace.” Yet, he acknowledged the critical lesson learned: “Every single detail can make a huge difference. And the reason of the disqualification, I think we had to pay the bill for one third of the season.”
As fans eagerly anticipate the holiday season, the light-hearted banter between Hamilton and Leclerc serves as a reminder that even in the high-pressure world of Formula 1, there is always room for joy and laughter. The festive spirit within Ferrari not only brings a smile but also sets the stage for a renewed focus as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the next season.
