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Ferrari boss responds after Lewis Hamilton ‘second choice’ to Max Verstappen claim
Ferrari principal Fred Vasseur recently addressed comments suggesting that Lewis Hamilton was merely the “second choice” for the Scuderia in contrast to Max Verstappen. This discussion emerged following Hamilton’s unexpected confirmation of his move to Ferrari for the 2025 season, where he will replace Carlos Sainz, who has signed on with Williams.
Hamilton’s transition means he will partner with Charles Leclerc, forming a notable duo for the famous team.
The conversation started when Dutch racing pundit Tom Coronel described Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton as a “masterstroke.”
Coronel claimed that while Hamilton’s arrival is certainly exciting, the team would have preferred to secure Verstappen, who he believes is essential for Ferrari to achieve championship success. According to Coronel, only Verstappen has the prowess to restore Ferrari to its former glory, suggesting that Hamilton is a “second choice” option, albeit a superior one compared to others.
However, Vasseur countered this narrative in a discussion with Corriere della Sera, emphasizing that Hamilton was not a fallback option but the “ideal” choice for Ferrari. He clarified that the decision to sign Hamilton was influenced by various factors, including Verstappen’s existing contract with Red Bull, which runs until the end of 2028, making any immediate transfer to Ferrari impractical.
Vasseur expressed that Hamilton consistently embodies the qualities necessary for Ferrari’s ambitions, portraying him not just as a seasoned champion but also as a driver who can contribute significantly to the team’s future aims.
Vasseur’s comments suggest that Ferrari is looking beyond the immediate competition between drivers. Instead, he appears focused on building a team capable of challenging for titles and elevating their performance in a highly competitive environment.
Hamilton’s experience, coupled with his proven track record in F1, positions him as an asset who can bring insightful leadership and guidance to the team, especially in nurturing the younger talent in the lineup.
Additionally, Hamilton’s arrival in a team with a rich history and a magnificent legacy sets the stage for intriguing dynamics.
As the seven-time World Champion, Hamilton brings a wealth of knowledge and competitive spirit that could benefit Ferrari as they aim to reclaim their status as front-runners in Formula 1.
The partnership with Leclerc, who is already considered a rising star, may offer Hamilton a unique opportunity to mentor and collaborate with another top-tier driver.
Together, they might create a competitive atmosphere that could help push Ferrari back towards the top of the standings.
In summary, while the narrative presented by some suggests that Hamilton was merely a secondary option behind Verstappen, Vasseur’s insights highlight a deeper strategy at play.
The recruitment of Hamilton signifies a deliberate choice to pair a highly experienced driver with an ambitious young talent, outlining Ferrari’s intention to build a robust team capable of success in the upcoming years. Vasseur remains optimistic about Hamilton’s potential contributions to the team and looks forward to the new chapter that this partnership represents for Ferrari’s future.
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