Ferrari Chief Urges Lewis Hamilton to Stay Focused Ahead of........

Ferrari Chief Urges Lewis Hamilton to Stay Focused Ahead of……..read more

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has issued a three-word message to Lewis Hamilton ahead of his much-anticipated switch to the Scuderia team: “Be focused.” Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, will soon leave Mercedes after a challenging two seasons, and he is set to experience a historic moment in his career as he drives a Ferrari for the first time.

The British driver, who will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari for the 2024 season, has long dreamed of driving for the iconic Italian team. In fact, Hamilton has admitted that it was one of his childhood aspirations to one day race for Ferrari, making his transition from Mercedes to the Scuderia all the more emotional. Vasseur acknowledges the significance of this moment for Hamilton but insists that the emotional aspect should be short-lived, especially once the testing begins.

Hamilton is scheduled to take part in testing with Ferrari’s 2024 car ahead of the official car unveiling on February 19. While it will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion, Vasseur is determined to keep the focus on the task at hand. The first lap will allow Hamilton to savor the experience, but Vasseur has made it clear that once the initial excitement wears off, it will be all business.

“Yeah, it’s true that it’s quite emotional, because I think he has this moment in his mind for probably 20 years,” Vasseur told Sky Sports. “It means that it will be emotional, but it has to be emotional for one lap! And then, to be focused.”

Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari marks the end of an era with Mercedes. Over the past two seasons, the 39-year-old has faced significant challenges with his car’s performance, leading to struggles in keeping pace with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The departure from Mercedes signals a new chapter for the veteran driver, and his move to Ferrari will likely offer a fresh sense of motivation as he hopes to compete for another world title.

As Hamilton gets ready for his debut with Ferrari, Vasseur is aware of the unique dynamics that come with joining the prestigious team. He acknowledges that while every team has its own culture and goals, Ferrari stands apart due to the passion and emotion that surrounds it. This intense atmosphere could either help or challenge Hamilton as he works with teammate Charles Leclerc, another talented and highly competitive driver. How the pair will coexist within the team remains to be seen, but Vasseur is confident that Hamilton’s vast experience will enable him to manage the environment.

“You know that every single team is different for sure, but we are all chasing the same goal with the same approach. What is a bit different is the passion or the emotion around the team, but I think Lewis is well prepared to manage this,” said Vasseur.

Despite the challenges Hamilton faced at Mercedes, including the team’s underperformance in recent years, his move to Ferrari has sparked hope among fans that he can once again challenge for the top positions in Formula 1. With Ferrari’s 2024 car set to be unveiled in February, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he begins this new chapter in his illustrious career.

In the coming weeks, the motorsport world will be watching closely as Hamilton embarks on his journey with Ferrari, balancing the excitement of fulfilling a childhood dream with the focus and determination needed to succeed in one of the most competitive sports on the planet.