Ferrari F1 crew principal Fred Vasseur has admitted telling Carlos Sainz that Lewis Hamilton could be changing him was “not the best name of my life”.
At first of this month it was confirmed that Hamilton could be quitting Mercedes to make the shock swap to Ferrari from 2025, the place he’ll take the seat presently occupied by Sainz.
Vasseur conceded calling Sainz as much as inform him of the bombshell information was tough, as was the decision with Mercedes boss and shut good friend Toto Wolff.
“As you’ll be able to think about, it was not the best name of my life. One of the vital tough was the one with Toto [Wolff]!” Vasseur instructed media together with Crash.internet on Tuesday.
“However I’m absolutely satisfied that he’s a really skilled driver. He understands that now we have an extended season forward of us. It’s an enormous alternative and I feel it’s additionally a dream state of affairs to have the crew behind him.
“We had an extended dialogue, as you’ll be able to think about, however I will probably be absolutely supportive of Carlos. However he’s absolutely dedicated and we all know now we have to do the job collectively. We’re professionals.”
Requested if Ferrari’s determination to signal Hamilton was unfair on the Spaniard, who was the one non-Crimson Bull driver to win a race in 2023, Vasseur responded: “Unfair, I don’t know if that is the best phrase.
“As a result of I feel for the crew the chance of [signing] Lewis is one thing that you need to think about in any case. He’s the man with the most important expertise and it’s an enormous alternative for us.
“It has nothing to do with Carlos. Carlos did an excellent job final 12 months and I’m certain he’ll do an excellent job this 12 months. However he’s very skilled and now we have an excellent private relationship.
“It’s like it’s and now we have to be centered on the long run.”
