We will see if Hamilton makes any difference at Ferrari. It's said that a mediocre driver in the best car can beat the best driver in a mediocre car. Problem with Ferrari is the Italian ego they have. After the era where Jean Todt had enough influence to let Michael Schumacher, Ferrari has not really allowed themselves to take much design/engineering.strategy input from drivers. Of course, Schumacher was exceptional in terms of being able to cross between the driver and engineer, unless Tody was there to to let and encourage that talent, Ferrari likely wouldn't have let him.You are absolutely right about that. Ferrari is where old famous drivers, go to die.
Alonso, Vettel and now Hamilton. All former multiple time world champions, but the former two couldn't do much.
As you point out, Alonso (politely) said that Ferrari sure have some strange strategies.
That's why I have a hunch that Hamilton at Ferrari is going to be tense. Hamilton has a well deserved and well earned ego. And even if he tries to tone it down and be respectful of the boys at Maranello, I think he's not going to fit in.
I agree with you to a degree but Ferrari was not going to get much more out of Sainz than they already have, and way less than they could because Ferrari is outrageously tainted by internal politics and if Sainz started outperforming LeClerc, I think Ferrari would sabotage Sainz just to keep the internal politics in line.
I also question Ferrari's strategy in letting go a young driver with a career ahead of him, who did well last year and atleast is a good second to Charles, on whom Ferrari has invested millions.
I think this will have a silver lining for Sainz. I think he will feel he does have something to prove to Ferrari and is going to use that at motivation to drive hard, while still having the discipline to remain a skilled, tidy and disciplined driver. A lot like Alonso. Look at him at Aston Martin! Driving to prove he is a driver to be reckoned with! Can you imagine Alonso driving a Red Bull car? (Well he and Verstappen have way different driving styes, so maybe the RB car is not suited for Alonso?)
But I can see this shake up being a real boost to Carlos' attitude and personal drive. I bet he bests LeClerc this year and goes on to get a great contract for the future. with who? I have no idea.
I agree. I imagine Hamilton approached Ferrari rather than the other way around. Mercedes has been very good to him but hey, if the car is still not competitive, might as well put the Ferrari racing suit in your collection and try something new. I think Ferrari figured the same about a change bringing some new possibilities. Thnking that Sainz is ok, but won't miss him if he is gone. Certainly Hamilton can bring something.
As Alonso said once - "Ferrari has some strange strategies".Time will tell I guess.
This is a great clip of Alonso's personality! Gotta watch it on Youtube/
Passing Sainz in Bahrain he says; "Yes! Bye bye... this is lovely car to drive"
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