Drive to Survive: Fred Vasseur reveals strategic move he made before Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari arrival
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At the start of 2024, Lewis Hamilton made one of the most significant decisions in Formula 1 history, announcing his move to Ferrari. The seven-time world champion's switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, marking a monumental chapter in Hamilton's illustrious career.
Having been with Mercedes since 2013, Hamilton shattered numerous records, cementing himself as F1's most successful driver. During his time with the Silver Arrows, he secured six drivers' titles and helped the team claim eight Constructors' Championships, creating an unmatched legacy in the sport.
As Lewis Hamilton's contract with Mercedes was set to expire at the end of the 2024 Formula 1 campaign, the German team had the option to extend it for another year. However, the 40-year-old Briton chose to make a bold move to Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz in a decision that stunned the F1 world. While Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was not caught off guard by Hamilton's choice—given that his contract was nearing its end—the news was still groundbreaking. For Hamilton, racing for Ferrari had been a lifelong dream, and he is now set to make his highly anticipated debut for the team at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.
With this announcement coming before the 2024 season even began, Mercedes found itself in a challenging position, knowing that their star driver would soon be joining a fierce competitor. On the other hand, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur had a strategic plan in mind, one that was carefully crafted and executed.
Fred Vasseur Reveals Strategic Timing Behind Hamilton's Ferrari Signing in *Drive to Survive*
Ferrari entered the 2024 Formula 1 season with momentum, having been the only team besides Red Bull to secure a race win in 2023, courtesy of Carlos Sainz's victory in Singapore. With their sights set on challenging the front-runners, the Maranello team sought to build on this momentum by securing a high-profile signing that would further solidify their title ambitions.
In an insightful moment from *Drive to Survive* season 7, episode 1, Fred Vasseur explained that the timing of the British driver’s signing was done *deliberately*. The French team principal shared that he wanted to ensure Ferrari could fully "attack the season" with Lewis Hamilton already on board. The strategy of the French manager was clear: bringing in the seven-time world champion would not only bolster Ferrari's competitive edge but also shift the team's focus to the upcoming season with a renewed sense of ambition and confidence.
Frederic Vasseur explained that he had deliberately timed the decision, emphasizing that it was important for the Maranello team to approach the season with the signing of Hamilton already secured. The Frenchman stated that the move was made with purpose and conviction, believing it to have been the right decision.
Ferrari's Strong Finish in 2024: Did Hamilton's Move Play a Role?
The high-profile signing of Lewis Hamilton by Ferrari in 2024 might have played a crucial role in the team’s performance, as they finished second in the Constructors' Championship, just 14 points behind McLaren. With five wins throughout the season, Ferrari showed marked improvement, and some argue that Hamilton's impending arrival provided the team with the extra motivation to perform at a higher level.
In contrast, Carlos Sainz, knowing that he would soon be leaving Ferrari, adopted a more aggressive racing approach, leading to his best season to date. His performance on the track raised some eyebrows, and Claire Williams, a prominent figure in F1, expressed sympathy for Carlos Sainz, feeling that his departure was likely a personal struggle for the driver.
Toto Wolff Reflects on Hamilton's Departure and What's Next for Mercedes in 2025
After the shocking announcement of Hamilton's move to Ferrari, Mercedes took steps to fill the void, signing up-and-coming driver Kimi Antonelli to replace the British legend. This shift also saw George Russell being promoted to team leader. According to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, Hamilton was understandably wary of Antonelli's rise within the team, as his departure to Ferrari opened the door for the young Italian talent to make his move into Formula 1.
Wolff has high hopes for Antonelli, seeing him as a future star capable of emulating the success of his predecessors. However, the absence of the Briton—one of the sport’s greatest-ever drivers—leaves a noticeable gap at Mercedes. Wolff admitted that it felt *”unusual”* not having Lewis Hamilton present for the W16's shakedown at pre-season testing in Bahrain, acknowledging the legacy Hamilton left behind.
Mercedes Shows Promise in Pre-Season Testing, but Ferrari and Red Bull Loom Large
In pre-season testing, Mercedes showed encouraging signs, particularly in long runs and over single-lap pace. The team completed more laps than any other and saw Antonelli topping the timesheets during the morning session on day one. Despite these positive indicators, Mercedes faces intense competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull in the coming season. Toto Wolff was impressed with Hamilton's performance during the test sessions, noting that the veteran driver would likely be aiming to assert his dominance once again in 2025. With Hamilton's move to Ferrari, the rivalry between the two giants of F1 is set to become one of the season's most compelling storylines.
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