Scuderia Ferrari’s signing of Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season sent shockwaves through the motorsport world. The seven-time world champion’s move to Ferrari not only captivated fans but also sparked a flurry of commentary from F1 insiders, including former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, who now heads Audi’s Sauber F1 project.
Binotto openly expressed skepticism about Ferrari’s decision, claiming he would not have pursued Hamilton, instead prioritizing Charles Leclerc as the team’s long-term focus. However, Ferrari’s current team principal Fred Vasseur did not take the remarks lightly, firing back with pointed remarks of his own.
Vasseur: ‘Hamilton Wouldn’t Go to Sauber’
When asked about Binotto’s comments, Vasseur couldn’t resist taking a dig at his predecessor. With a sly smile, the Frenchman quipped:
“I’m not sure that Hamilton would have gone to Sauber. I am happy that so many people have time to comment on our choices.”
The jab was a clear swipe at Sauber’s current position as a midfield team, contrasting with Ferrari’s historic prestige and ambitions. Vasseur seemed amused that so many in the paddock, including Binotto, felt compelled to weigh in on one of the most talked-about driver moves in F1 history.
A Subtle Lesson for Binotto
Vasseur didn’t stop at humor, offering a subtle yet sharp critique of Binotto’s behavior. Drawing on his own experience leading Sauber before joining Ferrari in 2023, Vasseur emphasized his professional restraint during that time:
“I am focused on our work. After all, when I was at Sauber, I didn’t talk about Ferrari.”
The comment was a thinly veiled suggestion that Binotto should focus on his own team’s progress rather than critiquing Ferrari’s strategic decisions.
Hamilton-Leclerc: Ferrari’s Power Pairing
Despite the noise, Vasseur appears fully confident in Ferrari’s trajectory with Hamilton and Leclerc as its driver pairing. Many analysts believe the duo will form the most formidable lineup on the grid, blending Hamilton’s vast experience and championship pedigree with Leclerc’s raw speed and Ferrari legacy.
With the team enduring a title drought since 2008, the 2025 season presents a golden opportunity for Ferrari to reclaim its former glory. However, the Scuderia faces immense pressure to deliver a car capable of challenging Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes consistently.
Binotto’s Criticism: A Glimpse Into F1 Politics
Binotto’s remarks underline the competitive and political nature of Formula 1. As the head of Sauber’s Audi-backed project set to fully debut in 2026, Binotto has vested interest in undermining Ferrari’s narrative. His comment that Ferrari should focus solely on Leclerc reflects an ongoing debate in F1 about balancing driver dynamics within a team.
The Road Ahead for Ferrari and Sauber
With Fred Vasseur steering Ferrari into the Hamilton-Leclerc era, the focus remains on ending Ferrari’s championship drought. Meanwhile, Binotto’s Sauber project faces its own challenges in preparing for Audi’s 2026 entry as a fully-fledged works team. Both team principals have much to prove, albeit from vastly different starting points.
As the 2025 season looms, one thing is clear: Ferrari’s decision to bring in Hamilton has already set the stage for fierce rivalries and heated exchanges—on and off the track.