Leclerc has shown he can race Verstappen. They are both in completely different situations and that is where the difference is. We’ve seen Verstappen do MANY questionable things in the past.
I agree with this. But you also cannot underestimate how much better and more mature a driver appears in a faster car than trying to wring the neck and take risks in a slower car. Kevin
Over a season, or over a lifetime? I mean a team fortune can change drastically over the years, even disappear completely. Must be tough to be a Lotus, a Williams or a McLaren fan these days, so I can imagine what is is for a tifosi !!
Why would Hamilton want to drive for Ferrari? A self imploding organization that can't seem to solve any of their own self inflected problems. Hamilton is a very smart self promoter who makes decisions that will serve his best interests. I don't think joining Ferrari meet those needs.
You cannot go against the belief some still have that driving for Ferrari is the closest there is to sanctity.
But how to stay enthusiast for a team that throws away so many opportunities, and with such long dry spells ?
+1 LH see's the mess Charles and Carlos are facing. Why would he think of leaving when Ferrari have effectively gone backwards when it appeared that last year they would easily improve a touch over winter. Early yet to the season but LH knows well what Mercedes have available to improve with. George is growing and the team appear to be effective so far this year, if in fact not much faster ..........yet.
It’s more a marque loyalty than to a team as defined as a group of individuals. As F1 devolves into a contrived clash of personalities I for one am grateful for the sustaining presence of Ferrari, through good and bad.
This is true, but I do not think Hamilton is that guy. I believe he goes with the team that gives him the best chance of winning races and championships, no matter what. I'd bet if Red Bull came knocking with an offer, he would bail on Mercedes immediately. Hard to blame anyone to do the same though. Though it is possible that Mercedes doesn't want him as a driver anymore, afterall they do need to look after their own future.
You make a great point. My brain read it as a swap, but you are right. There is nothing actually suggesting Hamilton goes to Ferrari.
Not lately but there has been noise in the past about how Ferrari did/would want HAM. I don't want him at Ferrari but there is a scenario I could see for Hamilton to consider it: MB decides they want to move on to someone younger and Russell has risen enough. Ferrari is foolish enough to still believe in Hamilton when MB doesn't Hamilton can cut a deal with Ferrari for his clothing and other co-branded post racing opportunities. In other words, a financial windfall after the grid. I do hope that does not come to pass and we see him in red.
It has been mooted many times over the years. As Hamilton's career is drawing to an end, the idea is getting traction once more. IMO, it would be a mistake for both sides.
Yes. I was referencing just this thread. Those rumors and (for some) wishful thinking will persist until he retires.
I go along with that, as I think the first duty of a driver is to look after his career and seek the best opportunities ro enhance it. I am not a believer of loyalty in F1.
Well you are certainly more objective compared with some here including myself. How do you explain objectively all this passion around Ferrari ? No kidding.
Agree, but there’s no denying that the consistent presence of the scuderia over 70 years has been a stabilizing force for the series. How many teams have come and gone, sometimes more than once, or changed owners and name, often more than once, during that time? Only one marque has been there through it all.