Lewis Hamilton affirms ‘good friendship’ with Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur since F2 days

Lewis Hamilton made his acquaintance with Fred Vasseur way back in 2006 while he was racing for ART Grand Prix in 2006.

Lewis Hamilton affirms ‘good friendship’ with Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur since F2 days

Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton will move to Ferrari in the coming season. The Briton has multiple acquaintances in the team already and will quickly build good relations. Hamilton might not be able to take his race engineer Bono alongside him to the Italian Constructor. Regardless, the 39-year-old isn’t worried as he opened up about his good friendship with team principal Fred Vasseur.

Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari will see him work with a completely new and different set of people. The Briton however had made early acquaintance with Fred Vasseur during his F2 days, racing with ART Grand Prix in 2006. Hamilton noted that there wasn’t much that the general public was unaware of. Additionally, the seven-time world champion claimed that he did work with Vasseur but that was for a short period of time as he conversed more with the engineers.

There is not anything that you don't know, I worked with Fred when I was young, in GP2, but I don't remember spending a huge amount of time, particularly with Fred, it was more with the mechanics on the weekends.
Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by racingnews365.com.
YouTube video

Regardless, Lewis Hamilton declared that he shared a great friendship bond with Fred Vasseur. Hence, Hamilton wouldn’t have to worry much about entering a completely new team at Maranello. Subsequently, the Briton complimented Vasseur’s leadership of Ferrari at the pinnacle of motorsport.

FS Video
We have a good friendship, and he is another great leader within the sport.
Lewis Hamilton added.

Lewis Hamilton reveals two other well-known people within the Ferrari crew

Apart from Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton also knew a couple of people on the team after being in the sport for so long. Hamilton recalled his long-time engineer at Mercedes, Loic Serra who would join the Italian Constructor by October 2024. Hence, a great working relationship with Serra would be helpful for the seven-time world champion.

I worked with Loic for many years, so I have a great working relationship with him, and my first number two [mechanic], Jock [Clear], also works at the team. 
Lewis Hamilton noted.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (Via: Imago)

Besides, Jock Clear, who is currently Charles Leclerc‘s radio engineer also has a great bond with Hamilton. The Briton mentioned that these two were the only people he was well aware of. Hence, knowing Vasseur and two other integral Engineers in the team will surely be beneficial for the 39-year-old.

They're the only two I think I know particularly well, as well as Fred [Vasseur, Team Principal].
Lewis Hamilton concluded.

Lewis Hamilton will currently focus on his ultimate year at Mercedes before dreaming about the seat in Ferrari. Mercedes still has a lot of work to do down the 2024 season to help the Briton end the season on a high. Hence, the 39-year-old will currently put his head down and aim to perform the best results possible with the degrading form of Brackley in the current season.

In case you missed it: