Ferrari group principal Frederic Vasseur has firmly rejected Lewis Hamilton’s latest assertion that he’s “not quick anymore,” providing help to the incoming Maranello driver whereas emphasizing his enduring velocity.
Following a qualifying session on the Lusail Worldwide Circuit, the place Lewis Hamilton ended up seventh, practically four-tenths behind his Mercedes teammate George Russell, the seven-time Formulation world champion expressed frustration, stating, “I’m simply sluggish, similar each weekend,” and “I’m undoubtedly not quick anymore.”
The British driver, who holds a file 104 Formulation 1 pole positions, has confronted challenges in qualifying in the course of the period of ground-effect automobiles. His solitary pole place in 2023 got here at the Hungarian Grand Prix, and he has been decisively outperformed by George Russell in head-to-head qualifying classes, shedding 5-19 in Grand Prix qualifying and 6-24 when sprints are included.
Regardless of these struggles, Lewis Hamilton’s new teammate at Scuderia Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, recognized for his blistering tempo over a single lap, is poised to hitch him on the Scuderia. Nonetheless, the Ferrari group boss stays assured in Lewis Hamilton’s capabilities, insisting that the British driver nonetheless possesses vital latent velocity, regardless of his latest frustrations.
“Ask that query to [George] Russell on Sunday [in Abu Dhabi],” Frederic Vasseur replied. When requested about Lewis Hamilton’s “I’m not quick anymore” remark, the French supervisor referred to the decisive last-lap transfer for fourth place on his former Mercedes teammate.
“It’s on Sunday that you’re scoring factors first, and I’m not anxious in any respect about this. He has had robust moments in quali, however the high quality of Abu Dhabi was linked to the efficiency of Lewis. He had superb races in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, and I used to be by no means, by no means anxious in regards to the scenario. I don’t need to blame Lewis or Mercedes however this example just isn’t straightforward to handle and if it isn’t going effectively, the connection can endure. It was not very effectively in his thoughts, he was clear about this in Brazil, however he did very effectively within the final couple of occasions, so I’m not anxious.” – the previous Alfa Romeo boss continued.
Lewis Hamilton is ready to make his much-anticipated debut behind the wheel of a Ferrari in January, the place he’ll drive a 2023-spec automobile as a part of the rules that allow testing of previous-season automobiles.
Frederic Vasseur supplied perception into how Ferrari plans to combine the British driver into the group, highlighting the numerous function the Maranello group’s simulators will play in his transition. He detailed how the group would adapt to welcoming the seasoned Mercedes driver, emphasizing the significance of familiarizing Hamilton with Ferrari’s distinctive processes and programs. The simulators, in line with Frederic Vasseur, will likely be a vital device in making certain a easy adaptation as Hamilton prepares to step into the automobile, providing him the chance to be taught and refine his method earlier than hitting the observe.
The French supervisor talked about that they have been conscious there could be many procedures to assimilate over the subsequent few days, however he believed Lewis Hamilton was skilled sufficient to deal with it. He added that they’d have the benefit of utilizing the simulators. Fred Vasseur defined that Lewis Hamilton would have the ability to carry out a race simulation, a qualifying simulation, and get totally ready with the steering wheel and all the precise particulars of the automobile. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that he wasn’t involved about it, as he didn’t take into account it to be the largest problem.
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