Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has denied that Lewis Hamilton’s impending arrival alongside Charles Leclerc could be detrimental to the side’s Formula 1 title chances.
The Italian marque announced before the racing commenced this season that Hamilton has been signed to partner the incumbent Leclerc in a mouthwatering pairing.
But while the blockbuster line-up is set to be a riveting one for onlookers to observe, there have been claims that having two top-level drivers will harm Ferrari’s hopes.
The Maranello-based squad’s most successful period came at the turn of the millennium when Rubens Barrichello served in a supporting role to Michael Schumacher.
Meanwhile, Red Bull has dominated in recent campaigns with Max Verstappen, who has held a considerable advantage over his less-fancied team-mate Sergio Perez.
However, Vasseur harbours no concerns about Hamilton and Leclerc taking points from each other, citing that he sees more positives to that dynamic than negatives.
Asked about whether he saw problems in Ferrari’s 2025 driver duo costing the team, Vasseur told Autosport: “I don’t think so, because I think you have a kind of mutual benefit into the team, and we are getting probably more points with two drivers than with one and a half.
“This is a positive move from the performance point of view, and part of our result today is also coming from the fact that we have a good emulation between Carlos [Sainz] and Charles – that they are pushing each other.
“As soon as one is a step down, the other one is there to get results and he is waking up the first one. It’s like this if you have a look from the beginning of last year.
“I am really convinced that I prefer having two strong ones than not.
“For sure, you can imagine the fact that you have two drivers and a potential of points for the team you are speaking about two.
“But I am sure that the potential of points for the team with two good drivers is much higher than with one and a half. That’s my view.”
Vasseur has also commended Sainz’s approach to ensuring that his level has not wavered this season despite being informed that his contract wouldn’t be extended.
“I think he has exactly the same mindset as when we launched the car in February,” the Frenchman explained.
“He knows the situation; he knows that we will split at the end of the season. He is a professional one.
“The first reaction in February was ‘okay Fred, it’s a tough decision, but let’s push until the last corner of the last lap of the season.’
“He is a mega professional, fully committed and he is doing a great job. I am convinced that it will stay like this until the end of 2024.
“The approach is very professional, very dedicated and I am really pleased with Carlos.”
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