Briatore Critiques Ferrari’s Potential Hamilton Signing: “It Doesn’t Make Sense…
Flavio Briatore, the former Renault F1 team principal, has shared his skepticism regarding Ferrari’s rumored interest in signing Lewis Hamilton, stating that it “doesn’t make sense.” Briatore, a seasoned figure in Formula 1 with extensive experience in managing drivers and teams, expressed doubts over the potential move, citing various factors that make the deal seem improbable from a strategic standpoint.
Hamilton, widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, has had a long and successful career with Mercedes. He has secured multiple World Championships, cementing his place as one of the sport’s icons. However, rumors have been circulating that Ferrari, one of the most storied teams in F1, might be looking to bring Hamilton on board for the upcoming seasons. With Charles Leclerc’s future in question and some internal changes within the Ferrari team, speculation about a high-profile signing has intensified.
For Briatore, though, such a move seems out of alignment with Ferrari’s current trajectory. “It doesn’t make sense for Ferrari to sign Lewis Hamilton,” he said in a recent interview. Briatore pointed out that Ferrari’s current focus should be on developing their own talent, with an emphasis on nurturing young drivers who can lead the team for years to come, rather than relying on an experienced driver like Hamilton, who might only be able to contribute for a limited time.
Hamilton, now in his late 30s, is undoubtedly still at the top of his game, but Briatore questioned the long-term value of signing a driver nearing the end of his career, especially given Ferrari’s need for a fresh approach. In contrast, Ferrari has one of the brightest young talents in Charles Leclerc, who has shown immense promise and could be the cornerstone of the team’s future.
Briatore further emphasized that Ferrari’s success depends on much more than just bringing in a star driver. The team’s performance in recent years has been marred by internal issues, strategic errors, and underwhelming car development. To compete at the highest level, Ferrari needs to focus on creating a competitive package—an area where Mercedes has outperformed them in recent years. The addition of a driver like Hamilton, while potentially offering a short-term boost, will not solve the deeper structural problems within the team.
The former Renault boss also highlighted that Hamilton’s motivation to switch teams would be questionable. Mercedes, despite not always being the fastest in recent seasons, still offers a competitive car and a team environment that has supported Hamilton’s success. For a driver of his caliber, moving to Ferrari, a team with its own challenges, may not present the right opportunity.
Briatore’s comments echo a broader sentiment in F1 circles: while the prospect of a Hamilton-Ferrari pairing would certainly be a headline-grabbing move, it may not be the best strategic decision for either party. Ferrari’s future depends on a cohesive team strategy, fostering talent, and investing in consistent development. As for Hamilton, his legacy is secure, but his next move may need to be carefully considered, balancing his desire for another championship with the practicalities of joining a team in the midst of rebuilding.
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