After the shocking hiring of Hamilton by Ferrari to join Charles Leclerc next season, the world of Formula 1 is full of questions. This unexpected move has sparked the longest “Crazy Season” in the history of the sport, even though we still have a year before witnessing Sir Lewis behind the wheel of a red car.
Since the confirmation of the agreement, the Ferrari team boss has been bombarded with questions. However, Vasseur asked reporters in Bahrain to shift their focus to the 2024 Grand Prix season and leave the Hamilton matter aside. He stated, “Let’s fully concentrate on the 2024 season and leave discussions about Hamilton for when the 2025 season approaches.”
Although it is crucial to have clarity about our future, my main concern now is with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz next year. We cannot ignore the fact that 2023 was a challenging season for us, but it was also not easy for anyone except Red Bull Racing.
I understand that if we want to catch up with the leaders, Ferrari will need to take a significant leap forward. However, we can take encouragement from the substantial progress we made during the 2023 season and use it as a foundation for 2024.
In Formula 1, it all comes down to a simple principle. If you are satisfied with your situation, you are basically finished. Instead, we must approach our work with a mindset of constant improvement, focusing on enhancing our strengths and eliminating weaknesses. There is no room for complacency.
Regarding the notion that the F1 field is more competitive, Vasseur believes this may be true for the teams chasing Red Bull Racing. However, it does not make our task any easier.
On a positive note, I am thrilled to be back on the track. It is always better to be at the top than at the bottom, but we cannot accurately assess the fuel loads or engine configurations of other teams. What matters most to us is the feedback from Carlos and Charles, and fortunately, they seem satisfied with the performance and drivability of the car. We need to remain calm, trust their opinions, and focus on development. Of course, Red Bull is currently ahead.
The 2024 F1 World Championship begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix next weekend. This race marks Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes after 13 years and Sainz’s last year as a Ferrari driver after four seasons.
As much as Ferrari and Vasseur would like the media to downplay the significance of Hamilton’s move to Red Bull, it is unlikely that they will comply. After all, when the biggest team hires one of the best F1 drivers and announces it a year in advance, there will always be attention and expectation surrounding his arrival at Via Abetone Inferiore, 4, in Maranello, for his first day as a member of the Red team.
