The bond between Lewis Hamilton and Frédéric Vasseur is longstanding: the Ferrari team principal has shared the behind-the-scenes details of the Englishman’s transfer to the Maranello team.
Under Fred Vasseur’s leadership, the Ferrari team is taking shape, with Lewis Hamilton being just one of the pieces placed by the Frenchman at the helm of the team. 2024 may well be the first true year of the French manager in Maranello and, for many, the paradigm shift is clear. The Prancing Horse now holds appeal; Lewis Hamilton will join the Italian side starting with the 2025 Formula 1 championship and might not be the only prominent name. The Englishman has a good chance of being accompanied in Maranello by the illustrious compatriot Adrian Newey, who is on the verge of bidding farewell to Red Bull.
Speaking to the French daily newspaper ‘L’Équipe’, the leader of the Prancing Horse also discussed his relationship with Lewis Hamilton. The marriage between the red team and Lewis was written in destiny: “I had stopped discussing technical matters with him for reasons of confidentiality, but in 20 years, we have never lost touch,” Frederic Vasseur recounted.
Parting ways with Carlos Sainz for the 40-year-old Lewis Hamilton: does it make sense? The 55-year-old former Alfa Romeo also addressed this question. “This year, I have two very talented drivers, I am sure of it, but between them, they have won eight Formula 1 races” – the Ferrari boss pointed out.
However, the track record also matters to Frederic Vasseur, and Lewis Hamilton can still offer a lot to Formula 1 and Ferrari. “There are moments when the track record provides certainties, references, and work methods,” he explained to the French publication. “It will also be very useful for Charles to have Lewis nearby. He is a monster in terms of organization and approach to the race.” – he added.
What Lewis Hamilton can specifically bring to the Prancing Horse is clear to the team principal: “He will push us to the maximum in terms of standards and preparation… I feel he has a lot of desire to win. Lewis is a great motivator and pushes everyone to the limit. It’s not just about doing 1’18”8 or 1’18”9 when you get in the car,” Fred Vasseur explained as reported by ‘L’Équipe’.
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“It’s also about knowing that there are 1,500 people cheering for you. Because he’s there, because he pushes, because he’ll ask the uncomfortable question and won’t settle for the first answer… This is what makes systems work. And this is even more true for us.”
Newey and promises: Did Hamilton receive assurances from Ferrari?
On the topic of assurances, Frederic Vasseur remained, as expected, rather tight-lipped. Some believe that Ferrari has promised a high-caliber team to the English champion, including among the “guarantees” the arrival of Adrian Newey in Maranello. But these are mostly speculations and hopes.
“We talked extensively about the project,” the Frenchman explained. “But he cannot have assurances because no one knows if the Mercedes engine will be better than the Audi or another… The best assurance for a driver is to think that it is legitimate for Ferrari to do everything to win. Considering the passion, considering that we haven’t won for too many years, if we have to make an effort, we will!” – the Ferrari team principal concluded.
Source: f1ingenerale
