Ferrari, the management of Hamilton and Leclerc
The Monza duel has undoubtedly left some repercussions within Ferrari, as Frederic Vasseur had to speak with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both separately and together more than once (after the race and Thursday in Madrid).
From what emerged yesterday, Leclerc took responsibility for the hard maneuver at Turn 2 of Monza and the relationship with Hamilton – at least from the words of both – has not suffered repercussions.
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Vasseur to L’Equipe throws a jab at Lewis?
The interview with Frederic Vasseur published Friday morning in L’Equipe is quite interesting, as it further clarified the management of drivers within Ferrari.
The words of the French team manager seem to be a sort of warning towards Hamilton’s continuous requests to have the status of lead driver: “We chose to have two number 1s, two drivers capable of winning races, with the approach of treating them the same way. It is a choice we share with the drivers. They know very well when they sign with us that it works this way. Lewis knew it. It’s clear in the contract. It is a strategic choice. There are teams that decide to have a number 1 driver and a number 2, and others that decide to have two number 1s. With advantages and disadvantages in both cases. We stand by our philosophy.”
Vasseur returned to talk about the current rules between Leclerc and Hamilton: “We have engagement rules. But for me, rules do not mean writing a manual that describes point by point all possible situations. I don’t like this principle because then you would have to discuss the interpretations of every single situation. The agreement provides that they have priority on alternate weekends to decide the management of qualifying. Then it’s up to me to manage. They trust me and it is my decision when one has to be made. Everything is based on respect. Mutual respect, respect towards me, but even more towards employees and sponsors, and above all towards Ferrari.”
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That said, Vasseur was categorical: “After Monza I will not change anything” and reiterated, on the hypothesis of betting on Hamilton as lead driver: “He can be if from now until the end of the year, we find ourselves in a situation where it will be clear that he will be the only card to play. But this applies to both drivers.”
