Fred Vasseur addresses Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari in 2025, focusing on team dynamics and future challenges.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has finally spoken about Lewis Hamilton’s arrival in 2025.
Recall that on February 1st, Ferrari had only confirmed the news with a single line in its press release, without any statements from the Frenchman or the management.
During the launch of the SF-24 today, Vasseur acknowledged facing two challenging phone calls after signing Lewis Hamilton: Carlos Sainz and Toto Wolff.
“Informing Sainz that the team had decided to replace him wasn’t the easiest decision of my life. The other call that was more difficult was the one with Toto. But I am fully convinced that Carlos is a highly professional driver, he understands that there’s a long season ahead of us, it’s a huge opportunity.”
“We had a long discussion, as you can imagine, but I will fully support Carlos, he is fully committed, and we know we have to do the job together. We are together, we are professionals.”
Vasseur: Hamilton’s Arrival, No Team Distraction
Vasseur added that he would not allow Hamilton’s arrival to become a distraction for the team.
“This is certainly a huge opportunity for the team. We are sure it will bring a lot to us for the future. It will be a good challenge for everyone to live up to the champion he is.”
“But we want to focus on 2024, we don’t want any distractions. That’s also why we made this announcement so early, as it was important for us to focus on 2024. So, I will not make any further comments on this during the season.”
Hamilton will be paired with Charles Leclerc, leaving Sainz’s future uncertain. However, Vasseur is certain that his outgoing driver will continue to perform at his best.
“I am fully convinced that Carlos will be fully devoted and fully committed to the season until the last lap and the last turn of the season. I am sure the whole team will be fully motivated and fully behind Carlos, he has done an excellent job for us so far.”
Vasseur and Hamilton: Reunion Seals Deal
Vasseur will reunite with Hamilton, who raced for him in the ASM and ART teams in the mid-2000s, winning the GP2 (now Formula 2) and Formula 3 Euroseries championships. The two have remained friends since, which helped Vasseur clinch the deal.
“We have had a good relationship for a little over 20 years now. We have always been in touch, we talk about different things, and I think it happened naturally. I don’t know what was decisive for him and what wasn’t, but it happened like that, step by step.”
Asked if it’s a bit “unfair” for Sainz, who is on par with Leclerc, Vasseur responds: “Unfair? I don’t know if unfair is the right word. Lewis has to be considered in all cases, he is the driver with the best track record and it has nothing to do with Carlos.”
“I think for the team, the opportunity to have Lewis is something you have to consider in any case. He’s the guy with the most experience and it’s a huge opportunity for us. It has nothing to do with Carlos.”
“Carlos did an excellent job last year. I’m sure he will do an excellent job next year. He is very focused, we have had a very good personal relationship. But that’s the way it is and we have to focus on the future.”
Hamilton joining Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton joining Ferrari in 2025
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