For Frederic Vasseur the duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc has no secrets. During their careers in the preparatory categories, both raced with the team that the current Ferrari team principal managed for over twenty years in F.3 and F.2, achieving successes that contributed to opening the doors of Formula 1.
Vasseur spoke about it yesterday, speaking together with Leclerc at the Sports Festival organized in Trento by the Gazzetta dello Sport. After being greeted with a standing ovation, both touched on many points, from the current season, to their personal relationship, but obviously the topic of Hamilton could not be left out.
Vasseur revealed how the negotiation with Lewis immediately went downhill thanks to a desire that Hamilton had harbored for twenty years. “Yes, it wasn’t that difficult to convince Lewis – he revealed – I remember that in 2004 we were together (in the European F.3 championship) at the time he was linked to McLaren-Mercedes, but he already had in mind that sooner or later he would went to Ferrari”.
“We talked about it some time ago, he always had this desire in mind, but obviously he is a driver who wants to have guarantees in terms of performance, for him this aspect is always in first place. If he chose to join Ferrari it confirms to me that we will be able to have the right car. This is the final goal, a driver like Lewis doesn’t come to us on holiday and for my part I think we are in the right place in terms of performance and I can say that we are dedicating many resources for our next project.”
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
Photo by: Pirelli
In 2025 Leclerc will no longer be the only ex-Vasseur driver in the Scuderia’s garage, Hamilton will also have his past and his long-standing friendship with the team principal. Could there be some jealousy on Charles’ part?
“I don’t think so – he commented smiling – Fred is not my girlfriend, we love each other, we respect each other but there is no jealousy. I was always aware of the negotiations between Lewis and Ferrari, I knew there was this possibility, everything was very transparent and I was the first to say that for me having a teammate of this caliber would be motivating.”
“When you have a seven-time world champion driving the same car as you it’s a super interesting challenge, then I have a very good relationship with Lewis and I’m sure it will be like this in the future too. Having said that I’m very keen to say that with Carlos too we have we had a great collaboration, we worked very well and our relationship has always been excellent. In a few months we will move on, and I admit that I am eager to start the new challenge with Lewis, each teammate always has very strong points and others that are weaker. so you can always learn. I see it as a great opportunity.”
Leclerc then talked about the special relationship that binds him to Vasseur, a bond born many years ago when he was still a kart driver.
“I don’t have a clear memory, Fred and I have two different dates regarding our first meeting, but I was certainly very young. We have known each other for many years and obviously this creates a special relationship, sometimes we just need a look and we understand each other. For example, when I make a mistake and I see Fred coming to talk to me I look at him and say: ‘Fred I already know what you are about to say’, he smiles and walks away because he knows I understand. Another thing I really appreciate about him is honesty. When I was in Formula 3 or Formula 2 and I had people around me who spoke to me without filters, every time I made a mistake I was always told clearly.”
“When I became a Ferrari driver, things had changed a bit, perhaps because I became more famous or, at least I think, the fact is that many people are a little more timid in their approach, it is more difficult to receive an authentic comment, without filters. Fred, on the other hand, comes to me and tells me to my face what he thinks, and I think this aspect is very important in Formula 1. We are not perfect, we make mistakes, but the important thing is to learn and grow every day.”
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