Nov.29 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton advised his future Ferrari boss, Frederic Vasseur, that he didn’t need to make his debut in a purple cockpit within the post-Abu Dhabi GP take a look at.
Whereas the person he’s changing, Carlos Sainz, will likely be in motion for his new staff – Williams – after the season finale, Hamilton will likely be busy elsewhere.
“I don’t need to block him,” Vasseur stated, referring to Sainz.
As for why Hamilton is just not being launched by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, the Frenchman added: “You’ll have to ask Toto.
“They’ve a contract so I didn’t even ask Toto.”
Wolff confirmed the story: “Fred didn’t ask. I believe it perhaps makes a distinction should you’re going to Williams, however we now have contractual agreements with sponsors.”
Wolff stated Hamilton, 39, is embarking on a post-season “farewell” after so a few years with Mercedes, with “a lot of actions” already deliberate.
“Lewis and I spoke about it briefly and he stated ‘I assume that (the Abu Dhabi take a look at) is just not going to work. And I stated ‘Yeah, I don’t assume it’s going to work.’”
When requested for his model within the Qatar paddock, Hamilton admitted that he’ll “completely” be barely deprived by not testing the 2024 Ferrari after Abu Dhabi.
“It’ll undoubtedly decelerate the method and make the beginning of subsequent 12 months harder, however we are going to do every part we will to make up for it,” stated the seven time world champion.
“I do know that Fred wished me to do the take a look at, however I used to be in two minds. The thought of getting behind the wheel of a purple automotive for the primary time in Abu Dhabi didn’t excite me an excessive amount of. In an excellent world, I would love the primary runs to be executed with out a lot scrutiny.
“Toto and the staff had deliberate forward for me to fulfill some sponsors and say goodbye to them, so I don’t assume I might have been allowed to participate within the checks even when I had requested,” Hamilton insisted.
“I’ve a contract with Mercedes till December 31 and it isn’t an issue for me as a result of I advised Fred prematurely that I didn’t actually need to do it.”
