BREAKING:Ferrari Boss Responds to Claims That Lewis Hamilton Was......to Max Verstappen

Ferrari Boss Responds to Claims That Lewis Hamilton Was “Second Choice” to Max Verstappen

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has dismissed claims that seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton was a “second choice” to Max Verstappen when Ferrari made the high-profile decision to sign the British driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The remarks followed the recent confirmation that Hamilton will be leaving Mercedes to join the Scuderia, where he will team up with Charles Leclerc. This major development has reignited the F1 ‘silly season,’ with Hamilton replacing Carlos Sainz, who is set to move to Williams.

The conversation around Hamilton’s move to Ferrari intensified after Dutch racing pundit Tom Coronel described Ferrari’s signing of Hamilton as a “masterstroke,” but suggested that the team had preferred Verstappen, Red Bull’s reigning three-time World Champion. Coronel remarked, “Ferrari can only become World Champions with Max, they won’t succeed with Hamilton. He is second choice, but better second than third.”

However, Vasseur has countered this narrative, emphasizing that Hamilton was always considered the “ideal” driver for Ferrari, irrespective of Verstappen’s long-term contract with Red Bull, which runs until the end of 2028. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Vasseur stated, “Beyond Max’s long contract with Red Bull, Lewis is ideal for Ferrari. For his experience, for the relationship he has with Charles, for his calmness.”

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes after a season that saw the British driver regain his form following a challenging 2023 campaign with Mercedes. Early in the 2024 season, there were rumors that Hamilton might leave Formula 1 altogether due to the team’s underwhelming performance. However, Hamilton silenced his critics with a resurgence that included a record-breaking ninth victory at Silverstone and a win in Belgium. These victories marked a significant turnaround, as they were his first since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Vasseur revealed that he never doubted Hamilton’s capabilities, even when others did. “Never had any doubts,” he said when asked about Hamilton proving the sceptics wrong. “I always believed it was a question of motivation. As soon as he smells victory, he goes wild. For who knows how long he had Ferrari on his mind, he will give everything.”

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is expected to create a formidable partnership with Charles Leclerc. The duo will aim to restore Ferrari’s dominance in Formula 1, a task that has eluded the team in recent years. Despite Coronel’s assertion that only Verstappen could bring championship glory back to Ferrari, Vasseur believes that Hamilton’s vast experience and proven track record make him the perfect fit for the team.

Before Hamilton’s Ferrari chapter begins, there is still unfinished business with Mercedes. With 10 races left in the 2024 season, Mercedes trails Ferrari by 79 points in the Constructors’ Championship. Hamilton, along with teammate George Russell, will be pushing to close that gap and finish the season on a high note.

Vasseur’s comments suggest that Ferrari is confident in their decision to bring Hamilton on board, seeing him not just as a backup plan to Verstappen, but as a driver with the ideal skill set and temperament to lead the team back to the top of the sport. The upcoming season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with Hamilton donning the famous red overalls as he aims to add to his illustrious career at one of the most iconic teams in Formula 1 history.