Mar.13 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton runs the chance of being humbled by staff incumbent Charles Leclerc at Ferrari subsequent 12 months.
That’s the warning of iconic and infamous Components 1 persona Flavio Briatore, the previous Renault boss who stays Fernando Alonso’s advisor.
He met in a Monaco cafe with Toto Wolff simply because the Hamilton-to-Ferrari bombshell was breaking in February, and is now predicting one other full season of utter dominance by Crimson Bull and Max Verstappen in 2024.
“This 12 months Crimson Bull is much more aggressive – rather more than final 12 months, with an enormous hole over the others,” Briatore, 73, advised Italian broadcaster Rai 1.
“Verstappen has 8 tenths over everybody and by no means makes a mistake,” the flamboyant Italian added. “The synergy with Crimson Bull is terrifying, as (Ayrton) Senna was with McLaren, (Fernando) Alonso was with Renault, or (Michael) Schumacher was with Ferrari.”
Ferrari, now headed by Frederic Vasseur, claims it has gotten nearer to Crimson Bull over the winter, however Briatore mentioned: “They stands out as the second power, however it’s not a place appropriate for Ferrari.
“The automotive should enhance. With these gaps, no driver could make the distinction.”
He’s referring, in fact, to Ferrari’s resolution to oust Carlos Sainz on the finish of the 12 months in favour of seven time world champion Hamilton, 39.
“If Hamilton was already at Ferrari immediately, he would do the identical issues as Leclerc, who’s a quick driver, though typically underestimated,” mentioned Briatore. “However regardless of Hamilton’s unquestionable skills, the inner competitors with Leclerc might show tougher than he thinks.
“In the long run he may wrestle to remain forward of Charles as a result of he’s a kind of drivers who doesn’t put a lot effort into it if the automotive isn’t good.”