F1: Ferrari Expresses Optimism for Championship Aspirations with Hamilton and Leclerc, According to Vasseur
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Maranello, Dec 19 (NationPress) Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, voiced optimism regarding the decision to recruit seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.
During Ferrari's customary Christmas media gathering in Maranello, Vasseur shared insights on the smooth process of acquiring Hamilton’s signature and underscored his trust in Hamilton's potential contribution to Ferrari's pursuit of a world championship.
For Hamilton, moving to Ferrari signifies the realization of a long-held ambition rooted in his early motorsport days. Vasseur, who previously collaborated with Hamilton during his formative years, revealed that discussions with the British icon commenced over a year ago and progressed without complications.
“In 2023, we triumphed in more races than Mercedes, and the season's start was promising, so convincing him that Ferrari represented a viable project wasn't overly challenging,” Vasseur noted.
“I believe Lewis has envisioned driving for Ferrari for at least two decades. We spoke about it back in 2004 when he was competing in junior categories. Sometimes, everything aligns perfectly, and this was the opportune moment.”
Despite Hamilton’s difficulties in qualifying during his last year with Mercedes, Vasseur expressed unwavering confidence in the driver's capacity to perform at the pinnacle of the sport. Hamilton himself admitted to having moments of uncertainty, particularly in Qatar, where he remarked he was “not fast anymore.” However, his impressive showings in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi served as a powerful reminder of his lasting talent.
“I was never concerned about Lewis,” Vasseur stated. “When a team struggles, it can impact a driver’s mindset, but he has demonstrated incredible resilience. His performances in the season's concluding races proved that he still possesses the required skills. I’m convinced he will carry that form into his tenure at Ferrari.”
The integration of Hamilton into the Ferrari roster raises questions regarding how the team will balance the competitive nature between him and Charles Leclerc. Both drivers are known for their fierce competitiveness, yet Vasseur views this as a benefit rather than a hurdle.
“I would rather contend for a one-two finish than for 19th and 20th,” Vasseur remarked. “Intra-team competition can propel the team forward, as evidenced by the dynamic between Charles and Carlos Sainz. Both drivers have mutual respect for one another, and I trust that will extend to Charles and Lewis. They have been in discussions for months and are well-prepared to collaborate.”
As Ferrari gears up for pre-season testing of the 2025 car, scheduled for February 26-28 in Bahrain, Hamilton is expected to test an older model at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit in January, weather permitting.
“It will be a nostalgic moment for Lewis,” Vasseur confessed. “He has envisioned this occasion for over 20 years. However, the sentiment will last for a single lap, after which he must concentrate on the tasks ahead.”
Ferrari’s preparations for 2025 are on a strict timeline, with the official season launch slated for February 18 in London, followed by the team’s car unveiling on February 19. Subsequently, the team will head straight to Bahrain for pre-season testing, leaving little room for extensive media celebrations surrounding Hamilton’s arrival.
“It’s a tight preparation schedule. We’ll have four weeks at the factory before the first event, but that’s the nature of Formula 1. It’s a challenging sequence, but we are prepared,” Vasseur said.
