You can hear the noise of engines because Formula 1 is in full countdown to its 2024 season. From the 21st to the 23rd there will be the official tests in Sakhir, Bahrain, where on
March 2 the first of the 24 Grand Prix
that will become the racing record for one year in the highest category of world motorsport.
Each team presented its new model and
Ferrari
was no exception in a well-established ceremony in Maranello, with hundreds of thousands of fans following the event via streaming.
The curious thing is that beyond the white and yellow line that the red car will show, all attention was not focused on the upcoming season but on 2025. Total normality.
The signing of Lewis Hamilton after 12 years at Mercedes multiplied the adrenaline in Italy.
Only the specialized media and fans of the “irons” were more interested in the scant news about the SF-24.
All attention was focused on the arrival of the British for next year's season.
After all, Ferrari has not won a constructors' championship since 2008 and the Scuderia's last champion driver was Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.
“
Lewis' arrival in 2025 represents a huge opportunity for the Italian team
.
We are sure that this will allow us to cross a good stage in the future and that it will be a good challenge for everyone,” said Frenchman Frédéric Vasseur, team leader.
“We have maintained good relations for more than 20 years, we have always been in contact to talk and this was done in a natural way,” he added about the negotiation with the seven-time Formula 1 champion.
Like stone guests: Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc pose during the presentation of the 'SF-24'. Photo: EFE.
Vasseur took care to highlight that the choice of Hamilton “has nothing to do” with the level of the Spanish Carlos Sainz, who will leave Ferrari in 2025. “But we must take into account that (Hamilton) has the best track record in the grill, he is the one with the most experience and it is a huge opportunity for us,” he confirmed.
Sainz and his teammate Charles Leclerc did not avoid questions about the next season, which overshadowed the presentation of the new model.
“No one in the world of Formula 1 expected it and neither did I expect it,” the Spaniard made clear.
It's no secret that it has been a surprise to everyone.
It is true that I was able to find out a little in advance and prepare myself both emotionally and psychologically for what I knew was going to be announced.
They are things of life.
One door is closing, but many are going to open, so I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds,” said Sainz.
Fred Vasseur had to explain Hamilton's arrival.
Photo: AP
Leclerc explained that he knew he would be Hamilton's teammate next season before signing his renewal "for several years" with Ferrari, announced at the end of January.
And he took charge of his words: “These types of agreements are not signed overnight.
It takes time and I knew they were negotiating even before I signed my contract.
That's why I wasn't surprised by the news, but I wouldn't want to go into details out of respect for Carlos, with whom we shared several years."
The Monegasque always claimed to be Ferrari's number one driver and even had fights with Sainz in several races.
He now knows that Hamilton's experience can help or overshadow him.
“Obviously Lewis is an incredible driver.
He is the most successful in history (103 Grand Prix) and he has great experience to contribute to the team and me.
I spoke to him after they announced the deal.
It will be interesting to be a partner of someone who was a seven-time world champion,” he declared diplomatically.
What does Ferrari have to offer so far this season?
Leclerc is the fifth driver who has run the most races for the Scuderia: 102 in five years.
He won five Grands Prix: Belgium and Italy in 2019 and Bahrain, Australia and Austria in 2022, when he finished second in the championship.
He achieved 23 pole positions in the red car, the same as the legendary Niki Lauda, obviously far from Michael Schumacher's 58.
And he took 30 podiums, six of which were last year, with two second places and two third places.
“I won't settle for two or three wins this year because I want to win as much as possible.
My greatest wish is to bring many joys and victories to our fans,” confessed the Monegasque.
Hamilton already wears red, although he will join the Ferrari in 2025.
Sainz raced 65 Grand Prix with the red car and won two victories: Great Britain 2022 and Singapore 2023. He achieved five pole positions and climbed to 15 podiums.
“I feel privileged to be part of Ferrari and I have a whole year ahead of me in this emblematic team.
Once you're a Ferrari driver, you're a Ferrari driver forever.
I will leave at the end of the year knowing that I did my homework,” summarized the Spaniard.
Engine noise is heard in Formula 1. Ferrari is preparing with its new model.
But everyone thinks about 2025 with Lewis Hamilton dressed in red