Vasseur reveals why Ferrari hired seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari’s Bold Move: Why Fred Vasseur Sees Hamilton as the Key to Scuderia’s Revival

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community, Ferrari has confirmed the signing of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. The decision, seen by many as a strategic masterstroke, was spearheaded by Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur. His rationale for bringing Hamilton on board is centered around the British driver’s unparalleled experience and ability to deliver under pressure—qualities Vasseur believes are crucial for Ferrari’s resurgence in the sport.

Hamilton, who has been with Mercedes since 2013, initially extended his contract with the Brackley-based team until the end of 2025 during the summer of 2023. However, the contract included a release clause that Hamilton has now activated, allowing him to join Ferrari after completing his final season with Mercedes in 2024.

Vasseur, speaking in an interview with Sky Italia, emphasized that Hamilton’s vast experience was a major factor in Ferrari’s decision to sign him. “We know the positive aspects of Lewis’ arrival, such as his great experience. Everyone since the start of the season says Russell is faster than him, but at the moment he is the one who has brought the most points to Mercedes. So in terms of efficiency, I think it’s a good point of reference,” Vasseur explained.

This move highlights Ferrari’s intent to inject a winning mentality into the team, something that has been somewhat lacking in recent years. Vasseur believes that Hamilton’s ability to consistently score points, even when the car is not the fastest on the grid, will be instrumental in bringing Ferrari back to the forefront of F1 competition.

Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc, the talented Monegasque driver who has been Ferrari’s leading star since his debut with the team in 2019. While Leclerc has shown flashes of brilliance, including multiple pole positions and race wins, he has struggled to consistently challenge for the title due to a combination of car performance issues and strategic missteps by the team.

Vasseur is optimistic about the partnership, acknowledging Leclerc’s recent challenges but expressing confidence in his ability to bounce back. “He’s had some problems over the last few weekends, but I still think he’s lucid. The fact is that sometimes we have reacted exaggeratedly on a collective level,” Vasseur said, alluding to the need for a more measured approach in race strategy and development.

Hamilton’s presence is expected to provide a stabilizing influence within the team, particularly in moments of high pressure where Ferrari has faltered in the past. His partnership with Leclerc could form one of the most formidable driver lineups on the grid, blending Hamilton’s experience with Leclerc’s youthful exuberance.

Ferrari’s 2024 season has been marred by technical setbacks, most notably the problematic upgrade package introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix. The new specifications led to severe bouncing issues, forcing the team to revert to an older configuration during the British Grand Prix. While this decision set the team back by two months in terms of development, Vasseur remains optimistic about the future.

“Going back on the updates was not an easy decision, but we made it. We have lost 2 months, but we have other solutions in preparation and we are positive and dynamic,” Vasseur noted.

This resilience and willingness to adapt are indicative of a renewed spirit within Ferrari, one that could be further bolstered by Hamilton’s arrival. As the Scuderia looks to challenge Red Bull and Mercedes in the coming years, the combination of technical innovation and the experience of a seasoned champion like Hamilton could be the key to ending their long title drought.

Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy. With Hamilton’s experience and Leclerc’s raw talent, Ferrari is positioning itself for a serious challenge in the 2025 season. While technical hurdles remain, Vasseur’s leadership and the team’s adaptability suggest that Ferrari could once again become a dominant force in Formula 1. All eyes will be on the Maranello-based squad as they prepare for this exciting new chapter.

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