F1 legends drops 3-word reaction to former driver claiming Lewis Hamilton should not have been signed by Ferrari
F1 champion Damon Hill recently reacted to former F1 driver Lucas di Grassi's opinion that Ferrari made a mistake in hiring Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion would join the Italian giants after the 2024 year ends.
Before the 2024 F1 season even began, Ferrari officially announced that they had hired Lewis Hamilton. This shook the F1 space since Hamilton's name was synonymous with Mercedes.
This was not the first time the Maranello-based team approached the British driver. In the past, Ferrari has tried to sign Hamilton, but the driver always decided to continue with Mercedes. Now, however, he feels that the time is right to write a new chapter in his F1 career.
Speaking on Motorsport.com's Brazilian YouTube channel, Lucas di Grassi gave his take on Lewis Hamilton's move. He clearly stated that he would not have hired the seven-time world champion if he was at Ferrari. He added how expensive he was and claimed that he was no longer performing at his highest level.
“I never would hire Hamilton for Ferrari if I were to get screwed. Firstly, it is expensive, it is very expensive and I think he is no longer in his prime. I would hire another driver who will reach the prime within Ferrari at the right time,” di Grassi said at 44:40.
Since this was quite a bold opinion, many people, including former F1 champion Damon Hill reacted to Di Grassi's comments. Hill reposted the Brazilian's quotes on his official Instagram stories and simply wrote that time would tell how Hamilton would perform in the Italian outfit.
"Let time tell," Hill wrote.
Hamilton will be replacing Carlos Sainz in Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz shifted to Williams and has already driven their car at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari team boss not worried about Lewis Hamilton's recent dip in performance at Mercedes
Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur stated that he was not worried about Lewis Hamilton's recent dip in performance at Mercedes, especially after the 2021 F1 season.
Speaking to the media, Vasseur was asked whether he was worried about Hamilton's mediocre performances. To this, Vasseur replied that he was not worried and pointed towards the Brit's excellent performance at the Las Vegas GP, where Hamilton secured P2 after starting from P10.
"Not at all. Have a look at the 50 laps he did in Las Vegas. He started from P10, and then he finished on the gearbox of [George] Russell. I am not worried at all." Vasseur said. (via GPBlog)
Lewis Hamilton ended his final season in 2024 with Mercedes, securing P7 in the standings with 223 points to his credit.