Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur says Lewis Hamilton’s departure from the team is simply about “pure performance” as he heads to Maranello.
Vasseur explained it will be much more than Hamilton’s outright pace that comes to Ferrari next season, with his seven Drivers’ titles and 105 race victories to boot, which can help the Scuderia moving forward.
Additional information through Pablo Hidalgo
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari becomes official in the new year, but has been in sight since early 2024, with the wonderful announcement of his departure from Mercedes after a 12-season stay in which he won six of his seven championships. to date.
Vasseur, who worked with Hamilton while he was a GP2 driver, explained that his move to Ferrari will bring more than just his speed, but also his joy at being in a winning team and the wisdom he hopes to bring to Ferrari’s arsenal. . next season.
“As far as Lewis is concerned, it’s not just about speed, about natural performance,” Vasseur told Autosprint.
“It will bring the experience of a seven-time champion who has worked in top teams.
“It’s very smart for a team to have someone who brings other experiences, especially if he’s at Lewis’ level.
“We want to have the right technique and take advantage of their experiences. It’s vital to be on the lookout for information from strangers, whether it’s Hamilton or someone else.
“I know Hamilton very well, I know his motivations, his way of working. I don’t need to make comparisons with other controllers, but I’m sure it will be perfectly compatible with our system.
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The lineup of Hamilton and Charles Leclerc is one that neutrals will see as one of the most anticipated teammate battles of the 2025 season, even more so if the two Ferrari drivers are in a name battle.
Vasseur will not allow the additional media attention of the sport’s most successful team signing its most statistically successful driver divert from their main objective, however.
“Yes, there will be a lot of attention around us, but that won’t distract us from our only goal which is to win,” he added.
“We are not concerned about having more pressure than there is today and, for my part, I am constantly under scrutiny and trying to improve myself.
“I’m never happy, I put myself under pressure. Even in the minor categories, you take on big responsibilities, since the quality of a choice can mean death or the fortunes of the team.
“Because only the effects received on Sunday make the difference in terms of survival, only from a sporting point of view, to maintaining the staff’s jobs.
“We live under constant pressure and I have had a lot of pressure for the last 35 years.
“Over time, I get less emotional and that helps me cope better with the conditions. “
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