Ferrari stands by their decision to sign Lewis Hamilton, brushing off concerns over the Briton’s recent underperformance as he gears up for a high-stakes move from Mercedes. Despite his struggles on the track, Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur is unwavering in his belief that the seven-time world champion can deliver results for the Scuderia.
Ferrari’s £50 Million Gamble on Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for the 2024 season has sparked mixed reactions across the Formula 1 world. The 39-year-old is reportedly set to earn a base salary of £50 million a year, with additional incentives potentially pushing the deal to a staggering £100 million if he delivers Ferrari’s long-awaited title success.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, remains optimistic despite Hamilton’s recent downturn in performance. Addressing doubts, Vasseur said:
“Look at the 50 laps he did in Las Vegas, starting 10th and finishing second on Russell’s gearbox. I am not worried at all.”
A Season of Challenges for Hamilton
Hamilton’s current season with Mercedes has been far from smooth. He finished a disappointing 12th in Qatar, eight places behind teammate George Russell, attributing the poor result to a “broken car.”
Statistically, Hamilton has lagged behind Russell in 23 of 29 qualifying sessions (including sprints and grand prix) and is 24 points adrift of his younger teammate heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
While Hamilton admitted in Qatar that he “definitely isn’t fast any more,” he quickly countered with a confident statement: “I still have it.”
Toto Wolff Weighs In on Hamilton’s Departure
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has spoken candidly about Hamilton’s decision to leave, acknowledging that it was always going to be a challenging year for both parties. Reflecting on Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes, Wolff said:
“Nothing is going to take away 12 incredible years, with eight constructors’ titles and six drivers’ titles.”
Wolff also praised Hamilton for managing his emotions through a transitional year, as Mercedes prepares to usher in Kimi Antonelli as Hamilton’s replacement.
What Lies Ahead for Ferrari and Hamilton?
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. The Scuderia’s faith in his ability to turn their fortunes around remains steadfast, but the pressure to perform will be immense.
For Ferrari, signing a star like Hamilton is about more than just race results—it’s a statement of intent in their quest to reclaim Formula 1 dominance. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if the partnership lives up to its potential or becomes another chapter of “what could have been” for the legendary team.
Key Takeaways
- Ferrari’s Confidence: Team principal Fred Vasseur believes Hamilton still has the skills to compete at the highest level.
- Hamilton’s Struggles: The seven-time world champion has faced a challenging year at Mercedes, raising questions about his form.
- Legacy at Mercedes: Hamilton leaves behind a remarkable legacy, with 12 years of success that includes eight constructors’ titles.
- 2024 Outlook: Ferrari’s £50m-a-year investment in Hamilton is a bold move that could either redefine his career or highlight the challenges of transitioning between top-tier teams.
