Alesi reveals: 'Culture shock at Ferrari because of attracting Hamilton'
F1 News
- Savannah Lenz
Ferrari will try to once again attempt to make a bid for the 2025 Formula 1 world championship titles. They will do so with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, a duo that the seven-time recently described as "the strongest" one on the F1 grid. In an interview with Speedweek, Jean Alesi said that the arrival of a world champion like Hamilton was a huge culture shock for Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz was partnered with Leclerc for four years, and to many, it came as a shock when Hamilton's move to Ferrari was announced. Alesi was one of those people, and he says the move created a culture shock within Ferrari.
Alesi on culture shock Ferrari upon attracting Hamilton
He said, "I absolutely love the fact that Hamilton is in a Ferrari. I feel most fans are behind him. At least I am behind him. I believe he can do it. This new chapter is incredibly exciting for him and for Ferrari. I still know a lot of people at Ferrari, and Hamilton impressed everyone there with his charisma and the way he introduced himself to the team."
Alesi does not take away from the success of Ferrari's previous drivers. he adds, "It was a culture shock for Ferrari to welcome such a champion - without discounting the successes of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz."
Alesi thinks Hamilton's arrival could benefit Leclerc. The Monégasque driver has even said himself that he is looking forward to learning from the seven-time world champion. "Charles will undoubtedly become even more competitive with such a champion by his side. Lewis will give him extra motivation. That's Formula 1. You have to be not only fast, but also mentally strong, and I am convinced Leclerc will pass this test against Hamilton," the former driver concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Esteban den Toom.
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