Vasseur unfazed by Leclerc-Hamilton internal competition fears

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur believes the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to pairing two title contenders – Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton – at the Scuderia in 2025.

Ahead of the start of the 2024 F1 season, Hamilton announced his sensational move from his long-standing Mercedes team to Ferrari for next year.

The prospect excites many fans but has also led to concerns about how the two championship-caliber chargers will coexist within the Italian outfit.

Having two alpha drivers on a single team can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, both drivers can push each other to achieve greater results, fostering a culture of high performance.

However, the flip side of the coin is the risk of internal competition leading to point losses. In a close championship battle, points taken away from one driver to benefit the other can be the difference between victory and defeat for Ferrari in the championship.

Ferrari's rivals could potentially exploit this situation, with a team possessing a clear number one driver possibly capitalizing on any internal squabbles.

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But all things considered, Vasseur is optimistic and the Frenchman isn't worried about the Scuderia's drivers potentially cancelling each other out.

“I don't think so, because I think you have a kind of mutual benefit into the team, and we are getting probably more points with two drivers than with one and a half,” Vasseur told the Italian media last week.

“This is a positive move from the performance point of view, and part of our result today is also coming from the fact that we have a good emulation between Carlos and Charles - that they are pushing each other.

“As soon as one is a step down, the other one is there to get results and he is waking up the first one. It's like this if you have a look from the beginning of last year.

“I am really convinced that I prefer having two strong ones than not. For sure, you can imagine the fact that you have two drivers and a potential of points for the team you are speaking about two.

“But I am sure that the potential of points for the team with two good drivers is much higher than with one and a half. That's my view.”

While expressing his confidence in the strength of a Hamilton-Leclerc partnership, Vasseur also commended Carlos Sainz.

The Spaniard has delivered strong performances this season, including a win in Melbourne, despite the looming knowledge that his seat will be taken by Hamilton in 2025.

"He has exactly the same mindset as when we launched the car in February," the Ferrari chief explained.

“The first reaction in February was: 'Okay, Fred, it's a tough decision, but let's push until the last corner of the last lap of the season.'

"He is a mega professional, fully committed and he is doing a great job. I am convinced that it will stay like this until the end of 2024. The approach is very professional, very dedicated and I am really pleased with Carlos."

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