Ferrari fans flocked to Fiorano for their first glimpse of Lewis Hamilton donning the team’s iconic red overalls, but the decision to replace Carlos Sainz with the seven-time world champion has left Jacky Ickx feeling ‘sad.’
Jacky Ickx, a legendary Scuderia driver, doesn’t believe Lewis Hamilton’s two-year contract, which includes an option for a third year, was purely based on sporting merit. He argues that Ferrari already had a well-balanced driver line-up with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who consistently performed at a similar level.
The Spanish driver joined Ferrari in 2021, replacing four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, and spent four years racing alongside Leclerc. During that time, the Spaniard outscored the Monegasque in his first season, secured four Grand Prix victories compared to Leclerc’s six, and achieved 21 podium finishes to his teammate’s 30.
Jacky Ickx: Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton for ‘marketing,’ leaving Carlos Sainz departure ‘sad’
The opportunity to sign Hamilton, who holds records for the most Grand Prix wins, podiums, and pole positions in F1 history, was simply too tempting for Ferrari as they entered 2024 with both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in the final year of their contracts. Ferrari finalized Lewis Hamilton’s signing in February, shortly after extending the Monegasque driver’s deal until 2029.
However, Jacky Ickx believes the decision wasn’t solely about Lewis Hamilton’s unparalleled on-track achievements. Instead, he views the move as heavily influenced by Hamilton’s status as one of the world’s most marketable athletes, suggesting that Carlos Sainz’s exit was driven more by commercial considerations than performance.
Jacky Ickx, speaking to *Mundo Deportivo*, expressed his thoughts on Carlos Sainz’s tenure at Ferrari and his departure from the team. He noted that Sainz had performed admirably during his time at Maranello but suggested that Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton may have been influenced by factors beyond pure racing merit. According to Ickx, Ferrari was likely tempted to secure Hamilton’s services for marketing reasons, as well as Hamilton’s desire to embark on a new chapter in his career and include Ferrari in his illustrious history.
Jacky Ickx emphasized that there was nothing to criticize about Sainz’s performance at Ferrari. The Spaniard had achieved success, including Grand Prix victories, but Ickx remarked that those accomplishments were now part of the past, and Carlos Sainz needed to focus on the next chapter of his career. He highlighted the multifaceted nature of Formula 1, pointing out that it’s not just about politics but also economics and marketing, although, ultimately, the goal is always to win.
The Belgian, who finished as runner-up in the drivers’ standings with Ferrari in 1970, admitted that Sainz’s departure from the Scuderia saddened him, especially given the strong performances the Spaniard delivered during his tenure. However, Jacky Ickx stressed that Sainz must now concentrate on his future with Williams and leave Ferrari behind.
Reflecting on the partnership between the Spaniard and Charles Leclerc, Jacky Ickx expressed his admiration for how well the two drivers worked together. He noted that the pairing was effective, with both drivers winning races and consistently staying close to one another in terms of performance. He acknowledged the difficulty in understanding how the decision to end that partnership came about but reiterated his disappointment over Carlos Sainz’s departure.
Ultimately, Jacky Ickx encouraged the former Ferrari man to move forward and focus on making the most of his new opportunity at Williams, rather than dwelling on what might have been. For Ickx, the key to success lies in embracing the present and doing one’s best with the resources at hand.
Ferrari, as one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the world, didn’t necessarily need to sign Lewis Hamilton purely for marketing purposes. However, when the opportunity to secure a driver of Hamilton’s stature presents itself, it’s difficult to pass up the additional boost he brings both on and off the track.
Hamilton’s global appeal is undeniable, as highlighted by SportsPro’s 2024 rankings of the world’s most marketable athletes, where he holds the 11th spot. Topping the list is Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, followed by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, NBA legend LeBron James, WNBA star Caitlin Clark, and football icon Lionel Messi. These athletes have cemented their positions as global superstars, commanding massive audiences and brand appeal.
Notably, Hamilton outranks a host of other sporting legends in the marketability stakes. Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest ever players, is ranked ninth, while NFL sensation Travis Kelce, who has garnered additional fame as the partner of pop superstar Taylor Swift, sits just behind Hamilton in 12th place. Rising tennis star Coco Gauff follows in 13th.
In the world of Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton leads the pack when it comes to marketability. His closest competitors, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are ranked significantly lower, at 31st and 33rd, respectively. The British driver’s ability to transcend the sport and appeal to audiences far beyond F1 reinforces why Ferrari couldn’t ignore the value he brings, even as the Scuderia remains a powerhouse brand in its own right.
Leave a Reply