Politics’ at play in Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari deal....

Politics’ at play in Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari deal…. read more

In a surprising turn of events, Ferrari announced last year that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, would be joining their team after more than a decade with Mercedes. This decision came after Hamilton activated a break clause in his contract with Mercedes, leading to a significant shock for both him and fans. Reflecting on the abrupt change, Hamilton shared that he had been almost certain he would remain with Mercedes, making the news a substantial disappointment for him.

Hamilton’s first day as a Ferrari driver was widely covered, highlighting his visit to the team’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy, where he was photographed outside the famous red-doored house of Enzo Ferrari. While Hamilton celebrated this new chapter, Carlos Sainz was marking his transition to Williams, with the team expressing enthusiasm about his arrival through a social media post that read, “He’s here, and he’s perfect.”

Former Formula 1 driver Jacky Ickx weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Sainz’s departure from Ferrari was influenced by factors beyond pure performance, including marketing strategies and financial considerations. Ickx noted that Sainz had performed admirably during his four years with Ferrari, achieving four Grand Prix victories. However, he believes Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton may have been motivated by a desire to boost their brand image, as Hamilton’s legacy and star power could enhance the team’s visibility.

Ickx expressed that while Sainz’s past successes with Ferrari should not be overlooked, it is vital for him to focus on his future with Williams. He emphasized that the Formula 1 landscape is complex, involving not just politics but also economic and marketing elements that influence team decisions. Winning remains paramount, but many factors come into play.

During their time together, Sainz and teammate Charles Leclerc formed a strong partnership, achieving one second-place finish in the Drivers’ standings and contributing to a runner-up result in the Constructors’ Championship. Ick