Lewis Hamilton is about to set up a new negative record: The Brit has been with Ferrari without a podium for 16 races and only a Formula 1 pilot took longer. The Frenchman Didier Pironi stayed in 1981/82 in his first 18 races with the Scuderia without a pedestal.
So the record world champion only has a race left so that you do not at least attract the same with the French. It is questionable whether Hamilton will drive to the podium at the next race in Baku. But Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur is convinced that the Briton can make it this year.
“Yes, because he was able in Zandvoort, with [Mercedes-Pilot George] To fight Russell and [in Monza] From starting position 10 to the position behind Russell, “recalls the Frenchman that Hamilton took sixth place in Italy.
“Russell was on the podium a few times,” Vasseur recalls the previous season balance of the Mercedes pilot and therefore makes a daring forecast for the remaining eight season races: “Yes, we can expect that to expect that [Hamilton] lands on the podium. “
Hamilton in Monza faster than Leclerc
The Monza weekend for Hamilton was “not ideal”, but “the pace was better from the start than with Charles, and his mood was more positive,” reveals Vasseur. “In the race he fought with Russell until round 30, which shows that he was back in a stronger position.”
“The energy he got from the Tifosi on Wednesday and Thursday in Milan was very special for him. I don’t know whether he expected it or not, but it was impressive and gave him an extra boost all weekend.”
Due to the punishment, the race was “not an easy task”, but the pace of the British was apparently available from the first training session on Friday until the last round of the race. This is probably why the response of the Tifosi was “impressive”.
Ferrari wants second place in the constructor World Cup
“I don’t know whether he underestimated this or not, we didn’t talk much about it,” says Vasseur. “But I’m surprised every time. We hoped to end up at least on the podium, it didn’t work, but the fans were still there, enthusiastic and motivating.”
“This is part of the energy for the team and the positive atmosphere all around this weekend.” But that alone is not enough to bring Ferrari back to the podium or even to the next Formula 1 victory. However, the Ferrari team boss does not rule out a triumph.
“There are some routes on which we should probably be well traveling, starting with the next. Historically, we are always strong in Baku,” the Frenchman recalls the past few years. “Our goal is also to secure second place in the constructor Championships.”
“McLaren is currently at a different level, we are fighting with Red Bull and Mercedes,” emphasizes Vasseur, whose Ferrari team is currently a lead of 20 points on Mercedes. “The main goal for the team remains second – and then of course a victory.”