Ferrari set to take "risk" with Lewis Hamilton's 2025 F1 car, hints Fred Vasseur
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Lewis Hamilton is set to join a Ferrari team that narrowly missed out on the constructors' championship this year, with the Italian side finishing just 14 points behind McLaren—the closest margin since 2006. This result suggests that the Maranello team can be seen as on the verge of breaking their title drought, which has persisted since the 2008 Formula 1 campaign. With stable regulations ahead of the major 2026 overhaul, most teams are approaching the performance ceiling of their current concepts, putting Ferrari in prime position to capitalize.
Reflecting on their season, it's easy to pinpoint moments where Ferrari lost critical points. Carlos Sainz's absence in Saudi Arabia, despite Oliver Bearman's solid seventh-place finish as a stand-in, likely cost them valuable results. Additionally, a double retirement at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Canada and Carlos Sainz's crashes in Azerbaijan and Qatar compounded their setbacks. These missed opportunities underline how close Ferrari came to reclaiming glory.
Despite the Spaniard’s strong performances, Ferrari opted to part ways with him after seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his readiness to join. It's a bold move, with Hamilton seen as the final ingredient to transform Ferrari's promise into championship-winning form. His arrival coincides with Ferrari's most competitive season in over a decade, a sign that his timing may once again be impeccable.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has hinted that Hamilton's debut car will be a game-changer. Contrary to expectations of an evolutionary update, Ferrari plans to take a revolutionary approach to their 2025 challenger. Speaking on the *AutoHebdo* podcast, journalist Dorian Grangier described this strategy as a "risk." While it holds the potential for great rewards, there's also the danger that Ferrari could slip behind rivals Mercedes and Red Bull, potentially becoming only the fourth-fastest team if the gamble fails.
Ferrari's development efforts in 2024 delivered mixed results. Although they came close to producing the best overall package, a mid-season misstep with an upgrade caused costly issues with bouncing. Reports from the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera suggest Ferrari is planning a significant suspension overhaul during the off-season. Notably, Loic Serra, who worked closely with the British driver at Mercedes, will spearhead the development of Ferrari's new chassis—a factor that could provide Hamilton with a familiar edge as he takes on his next challenge.
Dorian Grangier mentioned that he did not consider McLaren to be a major favorite for 2025, stating that, in his view, the dynamics at Ferrari were currently stronger. He also noted that, according to Frederic Vasseur, the team's car for the new season would not simply be an evolution but a completely new design. The journalist acknowledged that this approach carried risks, but pointed out that Ferrari had taken a similar risk this year and it had paid off, suggesting that they might as well give it another try.
The potential for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to become an ideal teammate pairing at Ferrari is becoming increasingly clear. Lewis Hamilton may have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of his new Ferrari before the official winter testing begins, as teams are allowed two filming days, though these are subject to limited mileage and the use of special tyres. Even with these restrictions, any extra mileage will be valuable for the 39-year-old driver, who faces the challenge of adapting to not only a new car but also a different team environment. In addition, Hamilton could have the chance to drive an older Ferrari model at Fiorano without these limitations, further aiding his transition.
On the other hand, the Monegasque driver has been a part of the Ferrari family since 2019, meaning he's already deeply ingrained in the Maranello team's operations and culture, giving him a distinct advantage, especially during the early stages of the upcoming season. The bond between the two drivers is evident, as seen in their warm embrace in the F1 paddock after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which underscored the mutual respect they share. This strong relationship suggests that Ferrari may have found the perfect teammate duo for the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, capable of working together harmoniously both on and off the track.
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