It was a pleasure to reconnect with Marc – known as F1 Elvis in the past – after twelve years since our last interview on this site. He remains deeply involved in the sport, expressing his thoughts on the current F1 landscape through a popular Vlog.
The first question posed to Priestley, who had previously worked with Hamilton during his transition from GP2 to F1 under the guidance of Ron Denis of McLaren, was about the possibility of Lewis moving to Ferrari. What are his thoughts?
Marc began to elaborate: “The move was quite surprising on several levels. It caught everyone off guard. However, now that we’ve had some time to reflect on it, I understand why he made the decision. He is seeking a new challenge in his life.
“Lewis is nearing the end of his career and there is undoubtedly a romantic appeal to driving for Ferrari, which I can understand. Additionally, I believe he sees a Ferrari team on the rise, while Mercedes seems to have stagnated and is currently struggling without a clear direction. That is Mercedes’ biggest obstacle,” Marc concluded.
“They have appointed Fred Vasseur as the new leader,” Priestley points out. “Which, in my opinion, is an excellent choice. The whole organization is undergoing a transformation at the moment, and you can see it in the way they communicate with Ferrari drivers through radio calls. There is a new confidence.
“The drivers now have more confidence in the team. They are also making better strategic decisions, something that was not always the case in the past. Even their pit stops have become exceptional, with a 1.9-second stop that broke records in Miami.
“Considering all this, Lewis sees Ferrari as a team on the rise, and he may have timed his move perfectly. If he could fulfill his dream and bring the F1 World Championship back to Ferrari after all these years, he would be hailed as a hero in Italy.”
Priestley also warns that this partnership comes with its risks and the possibility of not meeting expectations: “When athletes or sportsmen approach the end of their careers and make one last attempt, there is always the chance of disappointment.
“There is the possibility of falling short, which can tarnish an otherwise illustrious reputation. However, I do not believe Lewis is experiencing any decline in his performance.
“Some F1 fans may argue that Lewis has been overshadowed by George [Russell] and has had poor results. I understand these concerns. But I firmly believe that this has nothing to do with Lewis losing his skills, talent, or ability.
“Joining a resurgent Ferrari would be an incredibly motivating and challenging opportunity for Lewis, and that is where he thrives,” said Priestley, who has worked with Hamilton at McLaren and other F1 legends such as Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen, David Coulthard, Juan Pablo Montoya, Fernando Alonso, and others.
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes inevitably sparked a discussion about the difficulties faced by Toto Wolff’s team since their remarkable achievement of 15 F1 World Championships in just ten years. Marc commented on the matter, stating: “This year has been incredibly challenging for everyone at Mercedes, not just for Lewis, but for the whole team.
“Lewis has faced similar situations before and managed to overcome them. He bounced back and achieved more success after going through truly disappointing moments. I believe the prospect of joining Ferrari is what will keep his motivation alive. It’s like a dangling carrot, you know? That’s the opportunity he sees to fulfill his dreams,” added Priestley.
If Hamilton secures his eighth unprecedented title in F1, it will not only be a personal triumph, but will also contribute to Ferrari’s impressive record of 31 F1 world titles (16 Constructors’ and 15 Drivers’). While John Elkann assembles another Dream Team for the Tifosi, the stage is set for Hamilton to leave his mark in the iconic red colors.
© 2024
The world of sports is always full of surprises and thrilling twists. And a recent event was no exception. Last weekend, the Brazilian football team won the World Championship final against the German team. It was an exciting match, with many goals and incredible plays.
The match began with the Brazilian team showcasing their skill and determination. They scored the first goal early in the game, leaving the fans in ecstasy. The German team did not give up and managed to equalize shortly after. It was an intense battle, with both teams fighting to gain the advantage.
In the second half, the Brazilian team showed their strength and skill, scoring two more goals. It seemed like victory was secured for Brazil. However, the German team did not give up and scored a goal in the final minutes of the game. The final result was 3-2 for Brazil, securing them the title of world champions.
Brazilian players were welcomed with celebration and party in their home country. Thousands of fans gathered in the streets to congratulate the team for their incredible performance. The team’s coach was also praised for his strategy and leadership during the tournament.
This victory is a historic moment for Brazilian football and for all sports fans. Brazil showed its passion and talent on the field and won the most coveted title in world football. Congratulations to the Brazilian team for this incredible achievement!
