As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches its conclusion, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Lewis Hamilton and his impending move from Mercedes to Ferrari. Despite the British driver’s recent lackluster performances, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur remains confident in Hamilton’s abilities and potential to shine with the Prancing Horse next year.
Hamilton’s Struggles at Mercedes
The seven-time world champion has endured a challenging season with Mercedes, with subpar results becoming increasingly common. In the recent Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton could only manage a 12th-place finish, marking one of his worst performances of the year. This follows disappointing outings in Brazil, where he finished 10th in the main race and 11th in the sprint.
These struggles have raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, with some questioning whether the 39-year-old driver has lost his edge. However, Vasseur is quick to dismiss such concerns, pointing to Hamilton’s impressive display in Las Vegas as evidence of his enduring talent.
I have a look at the 50 laps that he did in Vegas, starting in P10 [10th place], finishing on the gearbox of Russell, I’m not worried at all.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
A Frustrating Finale with Mercedes
Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes in Qatar was marred by a series of setbacks, including a false start penalty, a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane, and a puncture. At one point, the frustrated driver even sought to retire the car, but his race engineer refused the request due to the unserved drive-through penalty.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton remains resolute, declaring, “I’m still standing, it’s not how you fall, it’s how you get back up, so I’ll get back up tomorrow and give it another shot next week.” This determination is precisely what Vasseur and Ferrari are counting on as they prepare to welcome the British driver to their ranks.
Mercedes Boss Backs Hamilton
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also dismissed suggestions that Hamilton is losing his speed, attributing the driver’s struggles to the current generation of cars and their handling characteristics. Wolff explained that Hamilton’s late-braking style and high corner entry speeds are not well-suited to the current Mercedes car.
I’m certain that it’s not true. It’s just this generation of cars, particularly how the car is now. He’s a late braker, he carries a lot of speed on the entry to the corner and the car doesn’t take it.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal
A New Chapter with Ferrari
As Hamilton prepares to embark on a new chapter with Ferrari, the racing world eagerly anticipates the impact he will have on the team’s fortunes. With Vasseur’s unwavering support and the Scuderia’s storied history, many believe that Hamilton has the potential to reignite his championship-winning form.
The British driver’s wealth of experience, combined with Ferrari’s technical prowess and resources, could prove to be a formidable combination. As the 2024 season draws to a close, all eyes are on Hamilton and his bid to reassert himself as one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers.
A Testament to Hamilton’s Legacy
Regardless of his recent struggles, Lewis Hamilton’s legacy in Formula 1 is secure. With seven world championships, numerous records, and countless memorable performances, he has cemented his place among the sport’s all-time greats. His move to Ferrari represents not only a new challenge but also an opportunity to further enhance his already legendary status.
As the 2024 season concludes and the 2025 campaign looms on the horizon, fans and experts alike are eager to see what Hamilton can achieve with the Prancing Horse. With Vasseur’s confidence and the support of the Ferrari team, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated driver moves in recent Formula 1 history.
