Key Ferrari figure can help Lewis Hamilton with “the greatest comeback that sports has ever seen”, says F1 Insider

F1 insider Will Buxton has claimed that Lewis Hamilton could have a great comeback upon reuniting with Frederic Vassuer at Ferrari. The latter had previously worked with Hamilton in the GP2 series.

Hamilton has three races remaining with Mercedes before he moves to Ferrari in the 2025 season. The move has been largely anticipated as a positive one for the Brit as he has been driving cars that haven't been at the peak of competitiveness. His victory in the 2024 British GP was his first win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP.

However, Buxton is very positive about Hamilton's move to Ferrari. Speaking with Racer, he stated that Vasseur would provide Hamilton with a more open environment. Comparing his current performance to his Formula 3 and GP2 period, he stated that Hamilton might as well be on the way to "the greatest comeback" in F1.

"I also think linking up with Fred Vasseur is a brilliant way to go full circle because Fred was his team boss in F3 and GP2. And I believe fervently created the most potent version of Lewis Hamilton that has ever existed. The rawness of that kid in F3 and GP2, we've never seen that untap in F1."

"Now he is Sir Lewis Hamilton, the greatest of all time. [..] If he [Fred Vasseur] can help Lewis untap that version of himself again, it's going to be the greatest comeback that sports has ever seen. It's going to be huge."

---

Frederic Vassuer on signing Lewis Hamilton with Ferrari: "The stars have aligned"

Lewis Hamilton has been associated with the Prancing Horse multiple times in his career, but the deal was never finalized. When the reports of his move emerged prior to the start of the current season as well, many thought of it to be just a rumor.

While exiting a two-year contract with Mercedes and then signing a deal with Ferrari might appear to be a surprise decision for both teams, Frederic Vassuer has claimed that it wasn't. He mentioned that Ferrari had always been an option for Hamilton.

"It wasn’t difficult actually," Vasseur told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Ferrari has always been in his thoughts, and now the stars have aligned. He comes to win, not on vacation, and I’m convinced that we have everything to try."

Hamilton will replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari. The Spaniard has been racing with the team since the 2021 season and will now move to Williams Racing, partnering with Alex Albon.