Alpine's new advisor criticizes Ferrari's choice to recruit Hamilton for the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Lewis Hamilton's transfer to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season is divisive. While many are enthusiastic about seeing the seven-time world champion take on this new challenge, some already believe that this choice is a mistake.
Flavio Briatore, new executive advisor of Alpine, and accustomed to controversial statements, also positioned himself against this signature. The Italian, however, mentions another reason than the usual argument which calls into question the Briton's age.
For Briatore, Ferrari had no reason to shake up the hierarchy that was in place in its ranks, because its driver duo was already one of the most efficient on the grid.
“It will be strange to see Lewis in a Ferrari,
s’amuse Flavio. Of course, I respect such decisions, but I also wonder if it makes sense. Ferrari had two of the best drivers in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. I don't understand why this great duo was torn apart. »
“It’s not my job to pass judgment [sur ce que
fait Ferrari]but if I had been in a position of responsibility in the stable, I would not have contacted Lewis”
he adds.
Leclerc's advantage over Hamilton
If Flavio Briatore sees no advantage for the team concerned, he believes that Formula 1 will benefit enormously from the epic of Lewis Hamilton in red. In search of an eighth world title since his defeat in 2021, he could once again boost the sport's audiences.
“In principle it is good for Formula 1 if Lewis drives for Ferrari. And everything that is good for Formula 1 is also good for me. I'm sure it's also good for television. Let's wait and see. Time will tell how well he drives in the Ferrari” adds the transalpine businessman.
One last point on which he focuses, betting that Charles Leclerc will maintain the advantage this year. And this, given his level of integration into the team, having been there since 2019.
“It would make Formula 1 even more interesting. But we must not forget that Charles certainly has the advantage of speaking Italian in this very special Italian team”
concludes Briatore.
