Ferrari’s car is still lacking, so Giancarlo Minardi says Lewis Hamilton is not a “guarantee of success” there.
Apart from Red Bull, Ferrari was the only team to win an F1 grand prix last year, thanks to Carlos Sainz in Singapore. However, Mercedes narrowly defeated them for second place in the constructors’ title.
They are expecting Hamilton in a big way next year, but a seasoned F1 paddock member has reminded them that their car may still need some work.
“John Elkann deserves a lot of credit for his brilliant marketing operation,” ex-F1 team founder Minardi said to Quotidiano.
However, things change when we discuss Formula 1.
Different dimensions exist. I am not gullible; I am aware of the motivations behind the fantastic deal between the Lady in Red and the seven-time world champion.
“Myth and legend are coming together.” Still, though…
“I wouldn’t have taken someone like Hamilton, speaking exclusively about motorsports.”
Age has nothing to do with Minardi’s logic. The first time Hamilton drives a Ferrari, he will be forty years old.
Minardi responded, “No, I swear that the registry office doesn’t matter in my reasoning.”
Despite being even older than Lewis, Fernando Alonso is still quite powerful. Hamilton is also still a competitive player.
We therefore need to ask: Has Ferrari ever lost a race because of the driving of its drivers?
“No, the responsibility of those in the driver’s seat hasn’t left them without titles for a generation.
Hamilton is, therefore, not a success guarantee. Similar to how Sebastian Vettel wasn’t.
“Having a winning car is crucial in Formula One.
“You build a house from the foundations, not the roof.”
Knowing that Ferrari hasn’t produced an F1 winner since 2007, Fred Vasseur is starting his second year as the team principal.
Before Hamilton’s arrival the next year, Vasseur secured Charles Leclerc to a new multi-year contract.
But how will Leclerc handle it? Minardi inquired.
Saying they were putting all their money on him, they renewed his contract.
“A legend such as Hamilton is placed beside him after a week has passed.
“Perhaps this narrative has more than one strangeness.
Furthermore, Carlos Sainz is someone I would have kept.
Perhaps he already has a long-term contract with Audi that will start in 2026, though.
In any event, rather than a forty-year-old champion, I would have chosen a fresh talent to take his position.
“I will be the first to celebrate if Lewis wins the world championship with Ferrari.
“I will only express a skepticism that I sincerely hope is unfounded.”
It’s evident that Red Bull was far ahead of Ferrari and the rest of the Formula One field last year.
Red Bull is consequently anticipated to have a strong start to the year.
A year before the new F1 regulations take effect, in 2025, Hamilton will join Ferrari. The Scuderia may be hoping that this marks the start of a new era that is more suited to them.
