Ferrari fans thrilled by Fred Vasseur's comments on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
12/31/2024 03:00 PM
Scuderia Ferrari delivered an exceptional performance in the 2024 Formula 1 campaign, even coming tantalizingly close to claiming their first Constructors' Championship title since 2008.
Throughout the second half of the year, the Italian side engaged in a fierce battle with McLaren for supremacy, while Red Bull‘s challenge faltered due to Sergio Perez's inconsistent form. The SF-24 proved to be a highly adaptable machine, excelling across various circuits and enabling Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to maintain steady performances. Both drivers celebrated multiple victories, although their campaign was marred by a disappointing Canadian Grand Prix, where neither managed to complete the grueling 70-lap race. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has played a pivotal role in the team's resurgence over recent seasons and recently made remarks about the Monegasque driver and his new Maranello teammate Lewis Hamilton that will surely excite fans.
Fred Vasseur suggested the possibility of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton forming Ferrari's 2025 driver pairing.
Such a duo would be a formidable combination, blending Lewis Hamilton's championship pedigree with Charles Leclerc's raw pace and rising star status. Together, they could form the strongest lineup on the grid, potentially delivering Ferrari its long-awaited championship glory. The success of this pairing would hinge on their ability to work cohesively, a challenge Fred Vasseur appears confident they could overcome.
Hinting at a continuation of Ferrari's philosophy of allowing drivers to race freely, Fred Vasseur suggested there might be minimal team orders next season, mirroring the approach that has characterized Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz's partnership over the past four years.
In a recent interview for Sky Sports F1, the French manager confirmed that “I prefer to fight for first and second than 19th and 20th, this is clear. I think it's part of the performance. It's that clearly, the last two years, I let them race on the track, and it was for the benefit of the team because the emulation that we created like this was part of the recovery when we had tough times, and they had a huge respect between them." – he pointed out.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are both exceptionally fast drivers, but their on-track rivalry could pose a challenge for Ferrari if they continue to compete for points against each other.
Ferrari stands out as the only top-tier team with two drivers who have consistently won races over multiple championships.
This seasoned pairing sets the Maranello team apart from their competitors, who feature less experienced line-ups. At Red Bull, New Zealander Liam Lawson is stepping into the spotlight, partnering with four-time world champion Max Verstappen after competing in just 11 Grands Prix.
Meanwhile, Mercedes faces a different dynamic with George Russell, a proven race winner, joined by 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli, whose potential remains untested ahead of his debut season. McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have both tasted victory, but this year marked a learning curve for the duo, leaving Ferrari with a clear advantage in terms of experience.
The Italian side’s seasoned driver pairing could provide them with a crucial edge, offering the stability and expertise needed to mount a consistent championship challenge—provided the SF-25 car proves competitive throughout the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.
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