With Lewis Hamilton becoming a member of Ferrari, the 2024 Components 1 season is shaping as much as be one of the thrilling lately. Frédéric Vasseur, the group principal of Ferrari, spoke about Hamilton’s adaptation, the challenges forward, and his relationship with teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton’s 2024: A Yr of Ups and Downs
Hamilton will formally be part of Ferrari in early January when his contract with Mercedes expires. His 2024 season has been complicated, marked by inconsistent performances. George Russell continuously beat him in qualifying and completed the season with a 22-point benefit.
Nonetheless, Frederic Vasseur remained calm: “I used to be by no means nervous about Lewis. He had troublesome moments in qualifying, however he confirmed his price within the final races in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi. The problem of managing his last season at Mercedes definitely affected his performances,” mentioned the French supervisor, as reported by BBC Sport.
Lewis Hamilton’s Integration into Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s integration into the Italian group will probably be a vital problem over the subsequent few months. The British driver will take a look at a 2023 Ferrari at one of many scheduled checks at Fiorano or Mugello, forward of the season opener in Australia (Melbourne, March 14-16).
“It’s not straightforward, however Hamilton brings extraordinary expertise. He’s not a rookie, and he’ll know deal with the change. With the simulator, he can put together nicely for the automotive’s particularities,” Fred Vasseur defined.
Lewis Hamilton can be anticipated to maneuver to Italy, prone to Milan, to raised combine with the group and the Italian tradition. Fred Vasseur humorously added, “The one recommendation I’d give him is to not overdo the pasta, to keep away from weight points.” As anticipated, the French supervisor brazenly acknowledged that the British driver wouldn’t obtain a particular presentation at Ferrari with elaborate press protection, however would as a substitute be part of the Italian facet “with out making a present.”
The Relationship Between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
One of many foremost matters for the 2025 Components 1 season will probably be managing the interior competitors between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, each top-tier drivers. For Fred Vasseur, nevertheless, this dynamic is constructive: “Charles and Lewis have nice mutual respect. It’s significantly better to battle for first and third than for nineteenth and twentieth. The rivalry between them will drive each to enhance the group’s efficiency.”
Ferrari’s 2025 Targets
After dropping the constructors’ championship to McLaren by simply 14 factors, Ferrari goals to bounce again subsequent season. “We’ve improved in lots of areas, however we have to work on the small print. Each level will probably be essential: we are able to’t afford strategic errors or avoidable retirements,” mentioned Fred Vasseur.
The brand new Ferrari automotive will probably be unveiled on January 19 in Maranello (particulars right here), whereas the official pre-season checks will happen in Bahrain from February 26 to twenty-eight.
Hamilton and Ferrari: A Dream 20 Years within the Making
Frederic Vasseur revealed that Hamilton’s dream of driving for Ferrari goes again over 20 years: “We had been speaking about it again in 2004. It wasn’t laborious to persuade him: we’ve received extra races than Mercedes, and our challenge excited him.”
With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc behind the wheel, 2024 guarantees to be a pivotal yr for Ferrari within the battle in opposition to Pink Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren.