Vasseur: “Hamilton’s arrival proves that Ferrari is moving in the right direction”
Ferrari's boss commented on the recruitment of Lewis Hamilton at the beginning of the season. According to him, it demonstrates the progress made recently by the Italian team, gains that ultimately convinced the British driver to join the Prancing Horse team.
This is one of the biggest transfers in Formula 1 history. Next year, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will be wearing red, as he has decided to join Ferrari after breaking his contract with Mercedes. A choice that demonstrates the progress made by the Italian team since Frédéric Vasseur took over the team following Mattia Binotto’s departure.
After difficult seasons under the Italian’s leadership, the Maranello team has been on the rise for the past two seasons and is currently still in contention for the constructors’ title against Red Bull. These renewed ambitions have convinced Hamilton to join Ferrari, especially since he has a special relationship with the French team manager.
An association that is not experiencing this for the first time.
« It hasn’t been so difficult to convince Lewis », assures Fred Vasseur in comments relayed by La Gazzetta dello Sport. « I remember that in 2004, we were together [in the Euro Series de F3]; at that time, he was linked to McLaren-Mercedes, but he already had in mind that, sooner or later, he would go to Ferrari. We talked about it a long time ago. He always had this desire in mind, but obviously he is a driver who wants guarantees in terms of performance. If he chose to join Ferrari, it confirms to me that we will be able to have the right car. That’s the ultimate goal. »
The two men have built a strong agreement over many years, with the Briton driving in the Formula 3 Euro Series with ASM in 2005, a team founded by Frédéric Vasseur. After being crowned champion that year, the Stevenage native moved to GP2 (now Formula 2) with ART Grand Prix, a team also founded by the Ferrari boss with the help of Nicolas Todt in 2004. For Vasseur, this recruitment allows the team to have two very fast and performing drivers. However, it is necessary for the whole team to provide these drivers with equipment that matches their ambitions.
« A driver like Lewis doesn’t come to us for a vacation, and from my side, I think we are on the right track in terms of performance. We need a step forward, and I can say that we are devoting a lot of resources to our next project.
» Vasseur also praised the behavior of his other driver, Charles Leclerc, explaining that he never opposed this transfer.
« Charles has always agreed to Lewis’s arrival, and that pushed me to do everything I could to make it happen. Strangely, it wasn’t difficult to bring him to Maranello. And when I realized that Charles had always been positive towards Lewis, because he understood it was an opportunity for him, I pushed even harder.
Hamilton: a beneficial asset for the whole team according to Leclerc
The Monegasque driver confirmed the statements of his boss, whom he also had the opportunity to meet in junior categories. According to him, Hamilton’s arrival can only be beneficial for Ferrari, as it brings an experienced driver who knows perfectly how to win titles.
« Fred is not my girlfriend, smiled Leclerc. « I have always been aware of the negotiations between Lewis and Ferrari, I knew that this possibility existed, everything was very transparent. I was the first to say that, for me, having a teammate of this caliber would be motivating. When you have a seven-time world champion driving your own car, it’s a super interesting challenge. I also have a very good relationship with Lewis and I am sure that will be the case in the future. It’s certain that with Lewis, I will dispel some doubts about certain things he knows how to do. » Leclerc therefore seems enthusiastic about the idea of having the Briton as a teammate, as he will be able to help him improve and push him to become a better driver.
The quest for the Grail for Ferrari in 2025?
The winner of the Monza Grand Prix this season nevertheless wanted to send a touching message to Carlos Sainz, the Spaniard leaving Ferrari at the end of the season to join Williams. That being said, I really want to say that we also had an excellent partnership with Carlos. We worked very well together and our relationship has always been excellent. In a few months, we will turn the page, and I admit I am looking forward to taking on the new challenge with Lewis. With such a pair of drivers, the goals of the Italian team will inevitably be very high next year, and Hamilton’s arrival could allow them to win one of the world titles, a reward that has eluded them since 2008.
