Vasseur reviews what he expects from his drivers for the upcoming season
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur insists that Lewis Hamilton's arrival poses no risk of him and Charles Leclerc taking points away from each other and hindering the team's title chances in Formula 1.
The Italian constructor is preparing for the arrival of Lewis Hamilton, with his future teammate, Charles Leclerc, the Italian team hopes to enter a new era where they can return to the top of Formula 1.
Having two clear number ones in any team risks splitting the points between the two cars, thus opening the door to a rival team with a clear leader coming in between to beat both of them.
Fred Vasseur doesn’t see things that way and rather thinks that there are advantages for a team having two superstar drivers who push each other. When asked about the possibility that Hamilton/Leclerc might hinder each other, Vasseur replied: “I don’t think so, because I think there is some mutual advantage in the team, and we probably get more points with two drivers than with one and a half.”
« It is a positive development from a performance point of view, and part of our result today also comes from the fact that we have a good understanding between Carlos and Charles, that they push each other.
« As soon as one goes down, the other one is there to get results and wakes up the first one. That’s how it is if you look back to the beginning of last year. I am really convinced that I prefer to have two strong ones rather than none. Of course, you can imagine having two drivers and a potential for points for the team you’re talking about », explains the French person.
Vasseur also praised the way Sainz approached this season, remaining motivated to give his best throughout the season, even though he knew he would not be retained by Ferrari beyond the end of the year. “I think he has exactly the same mindset as when we launched the car in February,” Vasseur said. “He knows the situation, he knows that we will part ways at the end of the season. He is a professional.”
« He is a mega professional, fully committed, and he does an excellent job. I am convinced that it will remain so until the end of 2024. The approach is very professional, very devoted, and I am really happy with Carlos.
