Fred Vasseur, Crew Principal of Ferrari, spoke concerning the new driver pairing of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. In an interview given after the presentation of the SF-25, the Frenchman shared his perspective on the collaboration between the 2 drivers, highlighting their concord and the significance of inside competitors to carry the crew to success.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has generated many expectations, particularly relating to the dynamic together with his new teammate. On this matter, Fred Vasseur said: “I do know each Charles and Lewis nicely. I need to say that it didn’t really feel unusual to me seeing them work collectively. At this stage of the season, all groups are world champions, and all teammates are like they’re on a honeymoon. That’s simply how System 1 works. However the first weeks of collaboration between the 2 have gone rather well, and I’m not stunned by that.”
Fred Vasseur: “Leclerc and Hamilton are working nicely collectively”
The Crew Principal then added that the connection between the 2 was already strong earlier than they began working collectively at Ferrari: “Even final 12 months, they obtained alongside nicely and had been in a position to construct friendship, so that they’re beginning in nice form. The essential factor is to proceed like this and work as a crew.”
Fred Vasseur has already had the chance to work with Hamilton up to now and has no issues about his age or competitiveness: “I labored with Hamilton a few years in the past. I’m under no circumstances fearful about his age, and he proved it in Abu Dhabi final 12 months when he climbed from the again of the grid to fourth place, even overtaking George Russell on the ultimate lap. He has the tempo, and I’ve by no means had any doubts.”
Nevertheless, the Crew Principal acknowledges that the seven-time world champion has modified considerably in comparison with the early days of his profession. “He’s not the identical child I knew again then. Twenty years have handed, and everybody adjustments and improves. He’s positively far more mature now, with much more expertise behind him. That’s precisely what I used to be in search of—for myself, for Charles, and for Ferrari. I feel it’s the proper mixture.”
Charles Leclerc should profit from Lewis Hamilton’s presence
Fred Vasseur sees Lewis Hamilton’s presence as a fantastic alternative for Charles Leclerc’s progress. The purpose is undoubtedly to leverage the Briton’s expertise to additional enhance: “That is what Charles should do—base himself on the expertise and efficiency of his teammate. He’s the motive force closest to you, and due to this, you will have entry to all his knowledge, work on it, and when you’re sensible, take an additional step forward of him.”
The concord between the 2 drivers already appears nicely established, as Fred Vasseur defined: “I’m not fearful about any disputes between them. I solely see optimistic emulation.” Lastly, he reiterated how teamwork is important to intention for titles: “I already talked about this final 12 months with Charles and Carlos. We had already reached that time, but when we wish to carry out, we should do it with each drivers. To compete for titles, wholesome competitors is required.”
Supply: f1ingenerale