General
Did Hamilton bet on the correct (prancing) horse again?
While Ferrari did not bring any new updates to the Circuit of the Americas unlike their rivals, the Italians got it spot on. Since the autumn break, Charles Leclerc could win in Austin, and then Carlos Sainz stormed to victory in Mexico City. Did Hamilton just found the perfect team to bet on similarly to his switch in 2013 to Mercedes.
How is Frederic Vasseur putting Ferrari on the right path?
When Mattia Binotto was in charge, Ferrari were often targetted with the fact they are structurally unorganised to fight Red Bull Racing. After they had the car in 2022, the team lost ground in the second half of the season, and made several mistakes with strategy. It was not an easy fix for the team principal Frederic Vasseur, who joined in 2023. But a few examples show he is checking the boxes.
The Italian Grand Prix earlier this year was a great example of how Ferrari could get on top of two really important issues. First, opting for the one-stop strategy worked out perfectly for Charles Leclerc. Secondly, they would not have been able to pull off that strategy, without fixing their issues of tyre degradation that held them back severely in 2023.
Secondly, the drivers themselves did not expect success at the Circuit of the Americas, but even at a track where less was expected from the team, Ferrari could achieve a comfortable one-two finish. The current issues on Vasseur's list are the bouncing and performing in high-speed corners, as they are already fighting for the constructors' title. But given the Frenchman's track record, even after for example important figure Enrico Cardile was signed to join Aston Martin's 'Galacticos', Ferrari could get to the bottom of the data pile over the break.
Why signing Hamilton will improve Ferrari no matter his performance?
Carlos Sainz is on great form at the moment, after all, the Spaniard just won in Mexico City. "Given how good the car is, how well I'm driving recently, you know, it's obviously optimistic. At the same time, bittersweet because it gives me a feeling Ferrari might be in the fight for the World Championship next year and I will not be there to use it," Sainz said. Current Audi F1 COO and CTO, Mattia Binotto also previously said he wouldn't have signed Hamilton to Corriere della Sera.
This transfer could go either way. If Hamilton manages to outperform Leclerc, the Hamilton will be able to fight for victories, and maybe even for the 2025 world title. However, there is an underrated reason Leclerc is also looking forward to teaming up with the seven-time world champion. That is to learn from him.
Hamilton himself had brilliant teammates, including three world champions (Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg), who without a doubt helped him progress to become one of the best to ever do it. Even if Hamilton will not be sharp enough to compete for a title with Ferrari, his experience will be valuable for the team and their "Predestinato" Leclerc, while right now, they are stuck between two evenly-matched drivers entering their prime years. With having Hamilton, Leclerc might be able to make that jump many see Norris fail trying right now.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!