BREAKING: Briatore on Ferrari’s Hamilton SIGNING: ‘It doesn’t make

Briatore on Ferrari’s Hamilton signing: ‘It doesn’t make sense

Flavio Briatore, a seasoned figure in Formula 1 and currently Alpine’s executive advisor, has raised doubts about Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The shocking move, announced before the 2024 F1 season, sparked intense debate, and Briatore is the latest to voice his concerns.

The Italian expressed his surprise at Ferrari’s choice to break up the highly effective Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz partnership, especially considering their impressive performance last season. Ferrari narrowly missed out on the constructors’ championship, losing to McLaren, and the decision to sign Hamilton has puzzled many in the F1 community.

“It will be strange to see Lewis in a Ferrari,” Briatore told Sport.de. “Of course, I respect these kinds of decisions, but I also question whether it makes sense. Ferrari had two top drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.”

Briatore added, “I don’t understand why they split up this great pairing. It’s not my place to judge, but if I had been in a decision-making position at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have signed Lewis.”

While Briatore questioned the strategic logic behind the move, he acknowledged that Hamilton driving for Ferrari is a broader win for Formula 1. “In principle, it’s good for the sport if Lewis drives for Ferrari. And everything that’s good for Formula 1 is good for me too,” Briatore added. “It’s certainly great for television and ratings. Time will tell how well he performs in the Ferrari.”

Not everyone agrees with Briatore’s skepticism. F1 legend Nigel Mansell, the 1992 world champion and former Ferrari driver, sees Hamilton’s move as a natural progression. Mansell, affectionately known as “Il Leone” (the lion) for his aggressive driving style, defended Hamilton’s decision and dismissed concerns about the Briton’s age. Hamilton, who turns 40 in January, has faced criticism from some who believe he’s too old to perform at his peak.

“I hear some people saying Lewis is too old now,” Mansell told the BBC. “I don’t believe that. I won my world championship at that age, and I would have continued driving for many more years if politics hadn’t interfered.”

For Mansell, Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “If Hamilton can keep his inner fire, then he still has some great years ahead of him,” Mansell said. “I think this move to Ferrari is fantastic. I can easily see Lewis finishing his career with Ferrari.”

Mansell believes Hamilton’s age won’t hinder his success and sees the move as an opportunity for Hamilton to cement his legacy. “He is realizing his dream. He’ll be a Ferrari driver at the end of his career,” Mansell added.

Hamilton’s debut for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix in March 2024 will mark the start of a new chapter in both his career and Formula 1 history. For Ferrari, the move represents a chance to return to the top of the sport, while for Hamilton, it’s a daring challenge and a shot at winning a record-breaking eighth world championship.

Mansell emphasized that Hamilton has what it takes to succeed with Ferrari, provided he maintains his passion. “Lewis has all the tools to win,” Mansell said. “If he can stay motivated and keep his inner fire, he can achieve something special with Ferrari.”

Whether Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton proves to be a masterstroke or if Briatore’s concerns are justified remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari will be one of the most closely watched and highly anticipated storylines in Formula 1 history. His quest for an eighth title with the iconic Scuderia promises to be a spectacle that captivates fans and transcends the sport itself.