With Lewis Hamilton becoming a member of Ferrari, the 2024 Method 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 12 months of Ups and Downs
Hamilton will formally be a part of Ferrari in early January when his contract with Mercedes expires. His 2024 season has been advanced, marked by inconsistent performances. George Russell ceaselessly 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 apprehensive about Lewis. He had tough moments in qualifying, however he confirmed his value within the final races in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi. The problem of managing his last season at Mercedes definitely affected his performances,” stated the French supervisor, as reported by BBC Sport.
Lewis Hamilton’s Integration into Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s integration into the Italian group can be a vital problem over the subsequent few months. The British driver will check a 2023 Ferrari at one of many scheduled assessments 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 the best way to deal with the change. With the simulator, he can put together effectively for the automobile’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 might give him is to not overdo the pasta, to keep away from weight points.” As anticipated, the French supervisor brazenly said that the British driver wouldn’t obtain a particular presentation at Ferrari with elaborate press protection, however would as a substitute be a part of the Italian facet “with out making a present.”
The Relationship Between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
One of many major matters for the 2025 Method 1 season can be managing the interior competitors between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, each top-tier drivers. For Fred Vasseur, nonetheless, this dynamic is constructive: “Charles and Lewis have nice mutual respect. It’s a lot better to combat 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 Objectives
After shedding 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 main points. Each level can be essential: we are able to’t afford strategic errors or avoidable retirements,” stated Fred Vasseur.
The brand new Ferrari automobile can be unveiled on January 19 in Maranello (particulars right here), whereas the official pre-season assessments 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 have been speaking about it again in 2004. It wasn’t arduous to persuade him: we’ve gained extra races than Mercedes, and our undertaking excited him.”
With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc behind the wheel, 2024 guarantees to be a pivotal yr for Ferrari within the battle towards Pink Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren.