Alpine executive advisor and F1 veteran Flavio Briatore is among those questioning Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Lewis Hamilton.
The seven-time world champion’s sensational move to the Scuderia, announced ahead of the start of the 2024 F1 season, ignited an impassioned debate which continues to roll on.
Briatore is the last to chime in on the topic. And the flamboyant Italian admits to have been puzzled by Ferrari’s decision to split up its Charles Leclerc/Carlos Sainz pairing, especially given their strong performance last season, in which the team narrowly missed out on the constructors’ championship to McLaren.
Good for Formula 1
“It will be strange to see Lewis in the Ferrari,” Briatore told Sport.de.
“Of course, I respect such decisions, but I also wonder whether it makes sense. Ferrari had two top drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
“I don’t understand why they split up this great pairing. It’s not my job to judge, but if I had been in a position of responsibility at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have signed Lewis.
While questioning the wisdom of Ferrari’s move, Briatore acknowledged the broader appeal of Hamilton joining the sport’s most iconic team.
“In principle, it’s good for Formula 1 if Lewis drives for Ferrari. And everything that’s good for Formula 1 is good for me too,” he added.
“It’s certainly good for television and the ratings too. Let’s wait and see. Time will tell how well he drives in the Ferrari.”
Not everyone shares Briatore’s skepticism. Nigel Mansell, the 1992 F1 world champion and former Ferrari driver, sees Hamilton’s move as a natural progression and an opportunity for greatness.
Mansell, who earned the nickname “Il Leone” (the lion) during his time with the Scuderia for his combative style, dismissed concerns about Hamilton’s age – the Briton turns 40 this month – as irrelevant.
“I hear some people complaining that Lewis is too old now,” Mansell said in comments to the BBC, adding “I don’t believe that.
"I won my world championship title at that age, and I would have continued driving for many more years if politics hadn’t gotten in the way.”
The Culmination of a Dream
For Mansell, Hamilton’s move represents the culmination of a dream.
“If Hamilton can keep his inner fire, then he still has some great years ahead of him,” he said.
“I think this whole thing with him at Ferrari is fabulous. I can well imagine that Lewis will end his career at Ferrari.
“He is realising his dream – he will be a Ferrari driver at the end of his career.”
Hamilton’s Ferrari debut at the Australian Grand Prix next March will mark the beginning of a closely watched chapter in Formula 1 history.
For the Italian outfit, it is an opportunity to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of the sport. For Hamilton, it represents both his most daring challenge and the chance to etch his name in the record books with a historic eighth title.
As Mansell aptly put it, Hamilton has the tools to succeed, provided he maintains his “inner fire.”
Whether Ferrari’s gamble pays off or Briatore’s doubts prove correct, one thing is clear: Hamilton’s journey with Italy’s Prancing Horse will be a spectacle that transcends the sport.
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