In a recent discussion about driver line-ups in Formula 1, Mattia Binotto, the former Chief Executive Officer of Audi, sparked conversation when he remarked that if he were in Frederic Vasseur’s position, he would have opted to keep Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc for the 2025 season and beyond. This comment has drawn attention to the ongoing dynamics at Ferrari, especially with the recent decision to sign seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
Flavio Briatore, a prominent figure in the motorsport world and an executive advisor at Alpine, shared his thoughts on the matter. In an interview with Sport Bild, he expressed his surprise at Ferrari’s decision to alter its driver lineup, particularly noting the strong partnership between Leclerc and Sainz. He conveyed a sense of confusion regarding why Ferrari would break up a duo that had proven successful on the track. “Ferrari already had two top drivers – Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz,” he said. Instead of pursuing Hamilton, Briatore believes that maintaining the existing pairing would have been a more sensible choice.
Briatore also reflected on Hamilton’s landmark 40th birthday, which sparked discussions about the British driver’s longevity in the competitive world of Formula 1. He questioned whether Ferrari’s interest in Hamilton might have been influenced by financial considerations, given the commercial value and visibility that Hamilton brings as a superstar driver. According to Briatore, securing such a high-profile name like Hamilton is beneficial not only for the team but also for the sport as a whole. “If we look at the big picture, it is good for F1 that Lewis is driving for Ferrari,” he stated, emphasizing the positive impact on television ratings and audience engagement.
One significant aspect of the transition to Ferrari for Hamilton involves the cultural dynamics at play within the team. Briatore pointed out that Leclerc, being fluent in Italian, has a unique advantage in connecting with the Italian team, potentially fostering better communication and collaboration. This element might play a crucial role in how well the team functions as Hamilton integrates into the Ferrari environment.
As for Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari, Eurosport Italia has reported that his initial test could take place over a full week in Barcelona at the end of January, where he would drive a two-year-old car from the 2023 season. This suggests that Hamilton will be gradually acclimating to the team and car before the upcoming racing season.
The discussions surrounding Ferrari’s strategic decisions highlight the complexities of team dynamics in Formula 1, where driver relationships and performance are critical. The move to recruit Hamilton has garnered mixed reactions among industry insiders, with some seeing it as a gamble that could pay off in terms of performance and marketability, while others view it as a disruption of a harmonious driver duo.
