F1 News: Fred Vasseur Reveals "Most Difficult Phone Call" To Toto Wolff After Hamilton Signing
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur admitted to the challenging nature of informing Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff about Lewis Hamilton's departure to Ferrari. This move comes as Ferrari prepares to welcome the seven-time world champion in 2025, leading to Carlos Sainz's exit from the team.
Key Takeaways:
- Fred Vasseur expressed satisfaction over Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari but faced tough conversations with Carlos Sainz and Toto Wolff.
- The announcement of Hamilton's move to Ferrari for the 2025 season was unexpected and necessitated Sainz's departure from the team.
- Despite the difficult decision, Vasseur believes in the professionalism of the drivers and the significant opportunity Hamilton's arrival presents for Ferrari.
Ferrari Press Image
In a recent press briefing attended, Fred Vasseur, the principal at Ferrari, shared insights into the complex dynamics behind Lewis Hamilton's much-discussed transition to the Italian team. The move, set for the 2025 season, sent shockwaves through the F1 community, not only for its unexpected nature but also for the implications it had for the existing team lineup, particularly for Carlos Sainz.
Vasseur's conversations with both Sainz and Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team principal and a close associate, were notably difficult. The decision to bring Hamilton onboard meant Sainz would have to make way, a decision that Vasseur did not take lightly. He described the call to Wolff as "one of the most difficult" of his life, highlighting the complexities and the emotional weight of such high-stakes negotiations in the world of Formula 1.
The rationale behind choosing Hamilton over Sainz, despite the latter's commendable performance and a strong season alongside teammate Charles Leclerc, was rooted in the unparalleled experience and track record Hamilton brings. Vasseur acknowledged the tough nature of the decision but underscored the strategic importance of having a driver of Hamilton's calibre. He commented:
"As you can imagine, it was not the easiest call of my life. One of the most difficult was the one with Toto [Wolff].
"But I'm fully convinced that he's a very professional driver, that he understands that we have a long season in front of us, that it's a huge opportunity."
Speaking about Sainz's exit, Vasseur added:
"Unfair, I don't know if it's the right word, because that I think for the team, the opportunity of Lewis [Hamilton] , it's something that you have to consider, in any case, that he is the biggest paramount of the field. He's the guy with the biggest experience. And it's a huge opportunity for us. It has nothing to do with Carlos. Carlos did a great job last year. I'm sure that he will do a great job next year."