Formula 1 legend Flavio Briatore is skeptical whether seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton can bring success back to his new Ferrari racing team.
“It will be strange to see Lewis in the Ferrari. I of course respect such decisions, but I also wonder whether it makes sense,” said the Italian in an interview with “Sport Bild”.
Briatore also provided an explanation for the lack of enthusiasm: “Ferrari had two top drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. I don’t understand why this great pairing was torn apart. It’s not my job to judge, but If I had been in a responsible position at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have signed Lewis.”
The 74-year-old, who returned to Formula 1 as Alpine’s chief advisor in the summer, speculated that “commercial reasons” were the deciding factor in Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. “In principle, it’s good for Formula 1 if Lewis drives for Ferrari. And everything that’s good for Formula 1 is also good for me. It’s certainly good for television and the ratings. Let’s wait and see. “Time will tell how well he drives in the Ferrari,” said the long-time team boss.
“That would make Formula 1 even more interesting”
Briatore emphasized that he would be “happy” if Hamilton drove successfully in the Ferrari. “That would make Formula 1 even more interesting. But we must not forget that Charles certainly has the advantage of speaking Italian in this very special Italian team.”
The busy manager also explained that he didn’t know whether Hamilton, like Michael Schumacher, could get the entire Scuderia team behind him. “Michael was very special. In many ways.”
Schumacher initially won two drivers’ world championship titles in Formula 1 in Briatore’s Benetton team. After moving to Ferrari, five more were added.