P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton decision rushed to avoid further Ferrari hurt
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur explained the decision behind announcing Lewis Hamilton as their driver for 2025 before the 2024 season commenced. Hamilton chose to move from Mercedes to Ferrari to chase an eighth F1 title, with the announcement made early, impacting his last season at Mercedes and Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.
Despite the early announcement, Sainz managed two race wins during the 2024 season as Ferrari came close to their first constructors’ title since 2008. Sainz’s success led him to Williams for the new F1 era starting in 2026.
Vasseur’s strategy was aimed at avoiding distractions within the team, contrasting Red Bull’s uncertainty around Max Verstappen’s future. With Hamilton’s disappointing start at Ferrari so far in 2025, the focus now shifts to his performance improvement and Ferrari’s ability to provide a competitive car under new regulations in 2026.
Both Vasseur and Hamilton face pressure to deliver results, with the early signing potentially risking negative consequences if Hamilton fails to live up to expectations at the Scuderia.
