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Ferrari issue response to concerning Lewis Hamilton qualifying data
Lewis Hamilton’s recent struggles with single-lap performance are not a concern for Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur as the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion prepares to join the team alongside Charles Leclerc for the 2024 season.
After 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a new chapter in his career, forming a star-studded driver lineup.
Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes in 2023 highlighted difficulties in maximizing the potential of the W15, particularly in qualifying.
His teammate George Russell outperformed him in qualifying, winning 19-5 across 24 races.
During the Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed frustration about his qualifying form, admitting, “I’m just slow, same every weekend.”
Despite a car that felt decent, he couldn’t match the pace he once had, saying, “I’m definitely not fast anymore.”
The decline in qualifying performance is often seen as an early indicator of a driver losing their edge.
While Hamilton remained strong in races, starting from lower grid positions compromised his results. However, Vasseur is unbothered by this trend, emphasizing that points are scored on Sundays, not Saturdays.
Speaking at a Ferrari Christmas event, Vasseur acknowledged the importance of race-day performance over qualifying results, adding that Ferrari must focus on improving their race pace in 2024.
“We were probably the best in qualifying in 2023, but we struggled in races,” Vasseur noted.
He commended Leclerc and the team for making progress in race management and tire management, vowing to maintain that momentum in the upcoming season.
For Vasseur, Hamilton’s Saturday struggles are a non-issue, as he believes the British driver’s race performances remain formidable.
Hamilton’s recent form offers evidence of his enduring abilities.
In the penultimate race of 2023 in Las Vegas, Hamilton overcame a poor qualifying session that saw him start 10th, delivering a stunning drive to finish second, just behind Russell.
Vasseur cited this performance as proof of Hamilton’s competitiveness, dismissing any concerns about his self-doubt.
“Have a look at the 50 laps he did in Vegas,” Vasseur said. “I’m not worried at all.”
While Ferrari’s leadership remains confident in Hamilton’s capabilities, not everyone shares their optimism.
Former Jordan F1 team boss Eddie Jordan expressed skepticism about Hamilton’s mindset, suggesting that his self-doubt could signal a decline in his career.
Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, Jordan argued that unwavering self-belief is essential for success in F1. “If you don’t believe 100 percent, you’re f**ked,” he said.
Jordan was particularly critical of Hamilton’s admission that he might no longer be fast, interpreting it as a sign of diminished confidence. “If I was Ferrari, I would say close the book, find the way out,” he remarked.
For Jordan, even the slightest hesitation in belief can erode a driver’s performance.
Despite these critiques, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is seen by many as a bold and potentially transformative decision for both the driver and the team.
With Ferrari looking to bounce back after an inconsistent 2023 season, Hamilton’s experience and racecraft could prove invaluable.
Meanwhile, Hamilton has the opportunity to reinvigorate his career and chase an elusive eighth World Championship with one of F1’s most storied teams.
For Vasseur, the focus remains on leveraging Hamilton’s strengths to improve Ferrari’s overall performance.
The Frenchman is optimistic about the synergy between Hamilton and Leclerc, believing the pairing can drive Ferrari to greater success in 2024.
While qualifying performance remains a talking point, Vasseur is clear that Hamilton’s race-day prowess is what matters most.
As Hamilton prepares for his first season in red, the spotlight will be on how he adapts to his new environment and whether he can silence doubters.
With Ferrari determined to challenge for titles and Hamilton eager to prove he still has what it takes, the stage is set for a fascinating season ahead.
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