Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has criticised Mattia Binotto’s claim that he would’ve avoided signing Lewis Hamilton had he still been in charge of the Formula 1 team.
Hamilton will make the much-anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 on a multi-term deal as F1’s most decorated driver combines with the sport’s most successful outfit.
Vasseur, who has known Hamilton since 2006, believes the Briton will help Ferrari “chase the last thousandths” as it strives to end its title drought going back to 2008.
However, Binotto, whom Vasseur replaced in late 2022, implied that his successor had made a mistake dropping Carlos Sainz to bring in the seven-time F1 champion.
“I wouldn’t have taken him,” Binotto told Corriere della Sera. “But he [Hamilton] did very well to go, I agree with his decision.
“Ferrari had their sights set on other drivers. And if the talent is [Charles] Leclerc, it is he who in some way I think should be brought to the target.”
Vasseur urges Binotto to focus on Sauber
Vasseur has argued that Binotto should remain focused on his role overseeing Sauber’s impending evolution to Audi rather than assessing his old team’s decisions.
When his predecessor’s comment was put to him, Vasseur quipped in an interview with La Stampa: “I’m not sure Hamilton would have gone to Sauber!”
“I am happy that so many people have time to comment on our choices. I am focused on our work, after all, when I was at Sauber I didn’t talk about Ferrari.”
Vasseur has no doubts about Hamilton
Hamilton enduring a hard last season with Mercedes, though, has prompted Vasseur to receive questions about whether he is regretting his choice to change drivers.
However, Vasseur has reiterated his stance that Hamilton’s woes in 2024 were down to the circumstances surrounding his Mercedes exit rather than him losing pace.
“He is in a complicated situation at the end of a long partnership, there is also some frustration,” he highlighted. “He knew it would not be an easy season.”
Hamilton relishing Ferrari venture
Meanwhile, Hamilton has expressed excitement about his upcoming venture with Ferrari, despite acknowledging he has a “steep learning curve” ahead at the marque.
“I was very reserved in the paddock, because I have great respect for my team,” Hamilton said post-race in Abu Dhabi last weekend.
“I didn’t want to make them feel particularly bad, so I avoided going into the red zone.
“Very soon, however, I will start working with them. They did a fantastic job at the end of the season and Carlos did it today. I really hope I can give my contribution.”
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