I would not have contracted Lewis Hamilton”: Formerly banned .....

“I would not have contracted Lewis Hamilton”: Formerly banned …..read more

Flavio Briatore, the former Alpine chief who was banned from Formula 1 due to the “Crashgate Scandal” in 2008, has openly criticized Ferrari’s decision to sign Lewis Hamilton. He expressed that the move feels “strange” and stated that he personally would not have pursued the seven-time world champion for the team. Briatore’s comments come in light of Hamilton officially joining Ferrari on January 1, 2025, after utilizing an exit clause in his two-year contract with Mercedes. This marked the end of an era for Hamilton, who had spent over a decade with the German team, securing six championships during his tenure.

Hamilton’s shift to Ferrari is being hailed as one of the most significant transfers in the history of F1. The unexpected nature of this move has raised eyebrows, especially given Hamilton’s longstanding association with Mercedes, a team that has dominated the sport in recent years. Briatore’s criticism centers around the disruption this change brings, particularly concerning the existing dynamic between Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. He believes that the team should not have dismantled the successful duo that had shown promise and potential.

As a result of Hamilton’s arrival, Carlos Sainz has been moved to Williams Racing, where he will pair with Alex Albon for the 2025 season. This reshuffling has sparked discussions about the implications of such high-profile changes within a team that was already performing well. Briatore’s sentiments reflect a concern that Hamilton’s signing might not align with Ferrari’s strategic goals and could potentially disrupt team cohesion.

Despite Briatore’s reservations, the atmosphere at Ferrari is one of excitement and anticipation following Hamilton’s signing. Team principal Frederic Vasseur acknowledged the significance of this milestone and the celebrations that would accompany Hamilton’s arrival. However, he emphasized the need for the team to quickly shift focus back to the upcoming season and the work required to improve performance. Ferrari finished second in the Constructors’ Championship for 2024, with McLaren taking the title, marking their first championship win since 1998. This performance has set