P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why Zandvoort Friday, not Hamilton F1 signing, was Ferrari’s relaunch moment
The signing of Lewis Hamilton by Ferrari marked a significant shift in the team’s ambitions and generated optimism among their loyal fans, signaling a new era for the Scuderia. The leadership’s vision of ‘Operation Relaunch’ aims to propel Ferrari back to the forefront of Formula 1. While Hamilton’s arrival garnered public attention, insiders believe the team’s transformation began during an under-the-radar practice session at the Dutch Grand Prix last year. This approach, focusing on car understanding rather than traditional preparations, led to breakthrough performance improvements for Ferrari towards the end of the season. Charles Leclerc views this strategic shift as a pivotal moment for Ferrari’s resurgence and a testament to the team’s collaborative efforts. The collective motivation and commitment within Ferrari since that defining moment in Zandvoort have been instrumental in their recent successes, setting a strong foundation for the future.
