SUMMARY
- Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton dismiss inquiries amid contrasting seasons for Carlos Sainz and Hamilton.
- Ferrari's Vasseur firmly rejects media speculation about driver lineup changes.
Formula 1 chatter has encountered a roadblock with both Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton firmly shutting down inquiries regarding the driver switch planned for 2025. This comes amidst a contrasting start to the season for Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, the Ferrari driver slated for replacement by the British sensation. While Sainz has a 100% podium record so far in 2024, Hamilton has been struggling to make it into the top 5 spots.
Sainz has enjoyed a stellar opening, achieving a perfect podium streak in three races, including a dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix. The Spanish driver has to sit out the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to an emergency surgery. Conversely, Hamilton has endured a challenging season, yet to finish higher than P7 and currently struggling in ninth in the drivers’ standings.
Fred Vasseur ends Lewis Hamilton queries as Sainz secures podium
The disparity which has developed recently, has unsurprisingly fueled media speculation, with reporters persistently attempting to engage Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur in hypothetical scenarios regarding an alternate driver lineup. However, Vasseur has swiftly dismissed such inquiries, while highlighting a focus on the current competition.
Lewis Hamilton walked out on a post-Japanese Grand Prix media session after a Ferrari-related question:
A journalist asked if he was “jealous” watching Ferrari’s strong performances.
“Do you have any better questions?” Lewis replied, and then walked away. pic.twitter.com/EVfy7BFCDl
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) April 7, 2024
During a media interaction, a reporter questioned the Frenchman about a change of scenario in case Prancing Horse did not sign up Hamilton. This was an inquiry into the varying record of performance set by Sainz as well as the Mercedes driver. However, Vasseur interrupted the reporter and firmly stated, “We have the same question each weekend. Do a copy paste of my reply of last week, next one.”
The 39-year-old mirrored this sentiment during a recent press conference. An attempt by a reporter to gauge his enthusiasm for Ferrari’s superior car performance resulted in the abrupt end of the conversation. When Hamilton was questioned, “Are you looking forward to being with them [Ferrari]? Because they’re faster?”, he replied, “Do you have any better questions?”
The Ferrari boss had acknowledged the difficulty of breaking the news to Sainz as he will be left without a seat in the upcoming season.
Toto Wolff eyes Hamilton revenge with F1 prodigy?
Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell move to Ferrari in 2025 has thrown Mercedes’ driver market into a tough spot. George Russell is waiting for a new partner, and team principal Toto Wolff faces a critical choice. The options range from seasoned veterans to untested rookies, each offering a wide range of advantages. Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Carlos Sainz have been on their radar.
However, F1 icon Johnny Herbert proposes a more strategic approach. He suggests capitalizing on Sainz’s tough position at Ferrari with Hamilton’s arrival. The Spanish driver could be a valuable asset. But Wolff might be tempted by a much bolder strategy, as they set sights on the promising Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Pilotos del día en 2024:
🇧🇭Bahrein: Carlos Sainz
🇸🇦Arabia: Oliver Bearman
🇦🇺Australia: Carlos Sainz
🇯🇵Japón: Charles LeclercQue nivel de nuestros pilotos.🔥 pic.twitter.com/bfujtqAxAG
— Ferrari LATAM (@Ferrari_Latam) April 7, 2024
According to Herbert, “Carlos Sainz would be one of the replacements Mercedes should look at. But would they try to take on Ollie Bearman for example and throw him into a high-pressure situation like that? I would say yes. He has proven that he can cope with one of the highest pressure seats in F1, if not the highest, in the Ferrari and dealt with everything thrown at him. He would be a perfect fit.”
However, an even more audacious move could be possible, hiring of Ferrari’s rising star, 18-year-old Oliver Bearman. His sensational debut in Saudi Arabia sent shockwaves through F1. Holding off seasoned veterans like Hamilton and Lando Norris to secure a stunning seventh place on his debut showcased his raw talent and driving prowess.