Speaking at Ferrari's traditional Christmas media lunch in Maranello, Vasseur revealed the seamless process of securing Hamilton\u2019s signature and expressed his faith in his ability to contribute to Ferrari\u2019s quest for a world title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Hamilton, the transfer to Ferrari marks the culmination of a dream long held since his early days in motorsport. Vasseur, who previously worked with Hamilton during his junior career, disclosed that talks with the British driver began over a year ago and progressed effortlessly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn 2023, we won more races than Mercedes, and the beginning of the season was good as well, so it wasn\u2019t too difficult to convince him that Ferrari would be a good project,\u201d said Vasseur.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think Lewis has had the idea of driving for Ferrari in his mind for at least 22 or 23 years. We discussed it back in 2004 when he was racing in the junior categories. Sometimes, it\u2019s just about aligning the stars, and this was the right time.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite Hamilton\u2019s struggles in qualifying during his final year with Mercedes, Vasseur expressed full confidence in the driver\u2019s ability to perform at the highest level. Hamilton himself acknowledged moments of doubt, notably in Qatar, where he suggested he was \u201cnot fast anymore\". However, his strong performances in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi served as a timely reminder of his enduring talent.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was never worried about Lewis,\u201d Vasseur affirmed. \u201cWhen things don\u2019t go well in a team, it can affect a driver\u2019s mindset, but he\u2019s shown resilience. His performances in the final races of the season were proof that he still has what it takes. I\u2019m confident he\u2019ll bring that form into his time with Ferrari.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The addition of Hamilton to the Ferrari lineup raises questions about how the team will manage the dynamic between him and Charles Leclerc. Both drivers are highly competitive, but Vasseur sees this as an advantage rather than a challenge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI prefer to fight for a one-two finish than for 19th and 20th,\u201d Vasseur said. \u201cCompetition between teammates can drive the team forward, as we\u2019ve seen with Charles and Carlos (Sainz). Both drivers respect each other, and I believe that mutual respect will carry over to Charles and Lewis. They\u2019ve been discussing this for months and are well-prepared to work together.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
While pre-season testing of Ferrari\u2019s 2025 car is scheduled for February 26-28 in Bahrain, Hamilton will likely take an older model for a spin at Ferrari\u2019s Fiorano circuit in January, if weather permits.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt will be emotional for Lewis,\u201d Vasseur admitted. \u201cHe\u2019s imagined this moment for over 20 years. But the emotion will last for one lap, and then he\u2019ll need to focus on the work ahead.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ferrari\u2019s 2025 preparations are on a tight timeline, with the official season launch set for February 18 in London, followed by the team\u2019s car unveiling on February 19. After that, the team will head straight to Bahrain for pre-season testing, leaving little room for media fanfare surrounding Hamilton\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt will be emotional for Lewis,\u201d Vasseur admitted. \u201cHe\u2019s imagined this moment for over 20 years. But the emotion will last for one lap, and then he\u2019ll need to focus on the work ahead.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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