Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Boss Compares Him to Carlos Sainz After FP1 Performance
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated transition to Ferrari has sparked discussions in the F1 world, and after his first free practice session (FP1) with the Scuderia, team principal Frédéric Vasseur has drawn comparisons between Hamilton and outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz.
During FP1 at the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton’s performance was closely watched as he took to the track in the SF-25. The seven-time world champion finished the session in 12th place, a result that some found underwhelming. However, Vasseur was quick to downplay concerns, stressing that early practice sessions are not an accurate reflection of a driver’s potential with a new team.
Vasseur highlighted how Carlos Sainz, who joined Ferrari in 2021, also faced an adjustment period before proving his worth. “Carlos took time to adapt when he joined, but once he understood the car and the team’s philosophy, he became a strong asset,” Vasseur noted. “Lewis is going through the same process, and we have full confidence in his ability to get up to speed.”
Sainz, who will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2024 season to make way for Hamilton, has had his share of strong performances, including race wins and podium finishes. His ability to integrate into Ferrari’s system after moving from McLaren was seen as a success, and Vasseur believes Hamilton will follow a similar trajectory.
For Hamilton, the move to Ferrari marks a significant career shift after spending over a decade with Mercedes, where he won six world titles. Adapting to a new car, a new engineering team, and a different driving philosophy is always a challenge, even for the most experienced drivers. Hamilton himself acknowledged the adjustment period but remains optimistic about his potential with Ferrari.
“I’m still getting used to the car, but I’m enjoying the process. There’s a lot to learn, and I know with time, we’ll be where we want to be,” Hamilton said.
Ferrari fans are hopeful that Hamilton’s arrival will bring the team closer to its first driver’s championship since 2007. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how quickly he can bridge the gap and challenge for podiums and wins.
