Ferrari chief sends three-word Lewis Hamilton message as mechanics feelings shared | F1 | Sport

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has reminded Lewis Hamilton “to be focused” when he drives the team’s car for the first time. The seven-time world champion is set to make his long-awaited switch from Mercedes over the coming weeks.

Hamilton will receive testing in Ferrari’s 2024 car in the weeks prior to the unveiling of their vehicle for the upcoming campaign on February 19. It is sure to be an emotional moment for the 39-year-old, who has previously admitted that he dreamed of driving a Ferrari as a child.

However, Vasseur says he will only allow Hamilton to savour the occasion during his first lap. After then, the Formula One icon will be urged to focus ahead of what is likely to be an extremely competitive season.

“Yeah, it’s true that it’s quite emotional, because I think he has this moment in his mind for probably 20 years,” Vasseur told Sky Sports.

“It means that it will be emotional, but it has to be emotional for one lap! And then, to be focused.”

Hamilton agreed his move to Ferrari ahead of the 2024 season but he spent the year at Mercedes. He will replace Carlos Sainz at the Scuderia team, with the Spaniard set to join Williams.

How the dynamics of Hamilton’s relationship with Charles Leclerc work remain to be seen.

“Everybody all over the world is excited and for sure, the mechanics are also excited, but because it’s always exciting to have someone who is a seven-times world champion into the car. But I think after the day one, we’ll have to turn this page and to be focused on the job,” Vasseur continued.

“You know that every single team is different for sure, but we are all chasing the same goal with the same approach. What is a bit different is the passion or the emotion around the team, but I think Lewis is well prepared to manage this.

“I think it’s much easier to arrive somewhere when the passion is at the top than the opposite. I’m not worried at all.”

Hamilton endured a tough final two seasons at Mercedes. Performance issues with his cars and a dip in form meant that he was not a threat to Max Verstappen and the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

George Russell will be partnered by teenager Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes next season.