Fred Vasseur issues hilarious response to former Ferrari boss’ Lewis Hamilton claim
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur reacted humorously to Mattia Binotto's comment on Lewis Hamilton's switch to the Italian team. Responding to the Swiss-Italian team principal's desire to acquire the seven-time world champion, Vasseur cast doubt on the latter's desire to join a backmarker team like Kick Sauber.
Hamilton parted ways with Mercedes after 11 successful years to fulfill his childhood dream of driving for Ferrari. He will join the Italian outfit from the 2025 season on a multi-year deal. The announcement, made in February this year, shook the F1 fraternity and drew a variety of responses from fans, pundits, and notable engineers.
Ferrari's ex-team principal Binotto told Corriere della Sera that he would have also liked to sign Lewis Hamilton if given a chance.
"I wouldn't have taken him. But he did very well to go, I agree with his decision. Ferrari had focused on other drivers. And if the talent is Leclerc, I think he's the one who should be accompanied to the objective in some way," said Binotto.
Audi onboarded Binotto as head of the F1 project, and his comments drew a humorous response from The Prancing Horse's team principal, Fred Vasseur. In his interview with La Stampa, the Frenchman jokingly said that Lewis Hamilton would not have joined Sauber even if Mattia had extended an offer.
"And I'm not sure that Hamilton would have gone to Sauber… (laughs). I'm happy that so many people have the time to comment on our choices, I'm focused on our work, after all when I was in Sauber I didn't talk about Ferrari," said Vasseur.
He later took a dig at the Audi F1 project head, saying one should focus on their own work rather than analyzing someone else's strategic moves.
Interestingly, Hamilton skipped the post-season test run at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Ferrari since Mercedes had planned an extensive farewell tour for him. Hence, the seven-time world champion will have to wait for his turn to don the red overalls and step into the SF series.
Lewis Hamilton opens up on challenges ahead with Ferrari
After spending 11 years with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton will be driving for Ferrari in 2025. A team switch at the age of 39 was a move not appreciated by many fans.
The seven-time world champion acknowledged the challenges ahead while speaking at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Despite the difficulties that await, Hamilton promised to return with the same focus that he had when he took a leap of faith with Mercedes back in 2013.
“I realize it's a steep… You know, I remember when I joined Mercedes, and it's not an easy step to ever enter into a new team. And it takes time to build new relationships and learn the tools and everything. Coming into next year with that same focus, that same might that I had when I joined Mercedes and with ultimately that leap of faith, I think is exciting and exhilarating," said Hamilton (via Autosport).
Meanwhile, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, who earlier worked with the British driver in his junior days, said Lewis' 18 years of experience in F1 and his unique driving style will bring a different flair to the Italian team. The Frenchman was impressed with Hamilton's mindset to chase small margins and turn it into a winning opportunity.
"We really need to have this kind of mindset to chase the last one-thousandth in every single area and I think Lewis will be a good asset for this also," said Vasseur (via Autosport).
On the other hand, Mercedes decided to fill the 39-year-old's shoes with rookie driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The 18-year-old, a product of the Silver Arrows' junior program, is widely recognized as a future superstar. Toto Wolff justified Kimi's premature inclusion in F1 citing his past record and talent.