The decision made by Kimi Antonelli was examined, and Ferrari was said to have “needed Lewis Hamilton.”

Fred Vasseur has stated that he will not comment on Mercedes’ decision to replace Lewis Hamilton with a rookie, but that Ferrari “needed” Hamilton. Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in Formula One, while Mercedes chose to replace him with their rookie.

Even before the first race of the 2024 season, Ferrari made the announcement that they had signed Hamilton, who would take Carlos Sainz’s place in the Formula One championship for the 2025 season.

A pair of drivers who are significantly different from one another for Ferrari and Mercedes
However, although it was initially speculated that Hamilton and Sainz may make a simple switch, with the Spaniard assuming the seat for Mercedes in the race, Toto Wolff, the manager of the Mercedes team, decided to place Kimi Antonelli, a rookie, in the car instead.

Antonelli, who is now 18 years old, was born in 2006, which was the year that Hamilton made his professional debut in Formula One.

Following a single season in Formula 2, in which he finished sixth in the Drivers’ standings with two victories, the Mercedes youngster, who has been referred to as a “child prodigy,” is now competing in Formula 1.When asked about the difference between Mercedes’ option and Ferrari’s choice, the Frenchman responded to Autosprint by saying, “I have no claim or arrogance to comment on the choices of other top teams.”

“In my opinion, there is no rule that governs these options; however, it is essential to act in accordance with what is most appropriate in the given circumstances at any given time.

Even in light of the regulatory shifts that will take place in 2026, I believe that Hamilton is the most suitable answer for us at this time.

As a result of having driven a significant number of kilometres with the TPC cars, Antonelli will be well prepared for Formula 2, which is an excellent preparation. But we were in need of Hamilton.”

Vasseur has instead chosen to go with tried and tested success, with Hamilton’s results including seven World titles and 105 race wins. Mercedes’ decision to put the Italian in the car is the total opposite mindset to Ferrari’s 2025 driver pick. Given that Ferrari’s driver decision is based on tried and established success.Vasseur, who took over as Chief Executive Officer of Ferrari at the beginning of 2023, argued that the signing of Hamilton was about more than only the speed that allowed the British driver win seven World Championships; it was also about the experience that he gathered while winning those championships.

According to Lewis, it is not only a matter of speed or sheer performance. He believes that it is more than that. “It will bring the experience of a seven-time champion who has worked in top teams,” he said. “It had a lot of success.”

If a member of a team is at the same level as Lewis, it is really beneficial for the team to have someone who brings a variety of experiences to the table. To be successful, we need to adopt the appropriate strategy and make use of his previous experiences. Whether it’s Hamilton or someone else, it’s always necessary to make an effort to learn from people who are not part of the group.

“I am extremely familiar with Hamilton; I am aware of his goals and the manner in which he operates. In spite of the fact that I do not wish to draw parallels with other drivers, I am confident that it will be an excellent fit for our system.

Hamilton will make his debut in a Ferrari Formula One vehicle later this month. The British driver will take part in a ‘wake up’ test in the Scuderia’s 2022 F1-75. This will be his first time driving a Ferrari.