Carrera51

I'm going to go the other way and say that if Ferrari produces a good car, we will see the old Lewis including him being faster than Charles. I like Charles and think he's a good driver. But he lacks the ruthlessness and killer instinct that Lewis, Max and Alonso have. Nico went to that level in 2016 when he won the WDC. He said when he retired that it wore him out and he didn't want to go there again.

Look at what happened at Red Bull the one time Perez was close to Max and the commentators started talking about it. Max proceeded to humiliate Perez and left him figurativly bloodied and beaten like road kill. It's that ruthless attitude that separates the current greats, Max, Lewis, and Alonso.

ProCoach

Nah. Charles took it to Max when the team gave him the car, especially early in the year. Successfully raced and passed Max side by side with no incidents. Max said as much, that he could race Charles as hard without worry and with trust.

I think it's going to be tough, even for LH, to come in and beat Charles. We'll see...

multi21

I agree with you on Charles skill level and has displayed the ability, when given an opportunity, to match or beat Max with incredible race craft. Max learned quickly from Charles and used the same tactics against LEC when he was provided the opportunity. Also agree with Carrera51 insofar as Charles doesn't seem to have that killer instinct that some of the greats do. He's also very hard on himself and has a long memory where you really have to forget about what just happened and get on with it.

Carrera51

I just don't think Charles can go to that next level week in and week out that Max can. To equate it to basketball, Max is like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird were in their prime. The great ones have that killer instinct. Toe to toe with Max, I'll take Max all day long. Max has the ability to crush his opponents, even his teammates. I just don't think Charles has that.

ProCoach

We'll see, won't we?

I was initially surprised and shocked by the announcement. While I respect LH's dedication, talent and incredible achievements, I'm just not a fan.

Upon reflection, bottom line is I AM a Ferrari fan. Their reasons for doing this, the lack of drama since Fred has been in place, the long range view they seem to be getting better at, all points to this being a move that will only bolster Ferrari's future performance.

I'll be cheering on Charles and Carlos this year, and Charles and LH next... Forza Ferrari!

Matt Romanowski

Ferrari does it today for the merch sales.

gbuff

I'd hate to be Sainz, on one hand he may want to just stick it to Ferrari but on the other he's racing for his F1 future this year so he's gotta GO like hell.

ProCoach

Ferrari merch sales are because of things like this.

WillyDaP

I agree with gbuff that Sainz will need to go like "Hell " but I won't be surprised if he does just that. To me the ultimate irony might be if Mercedes keeps and eye on him and in 25 we see him competing head to head against Lewis and Charles with a little chip on his shoulder. George Russell may be a Champion in the Wings with his stature at Mercedes, knowing Lewis's early move means his team support will be even more focused this year.

GT3_Driver

Question
With all the car testing limitations, would Lewis been able to drive the current Ferrari car to compare to the Mercedes before signing. And seen maybe something drastically better?

ProCoach

No, no way to drive current spec cars. The older-than-two-years exception is limited to new/development drivers. Besides, he won't drive until 2025, and that is a long way off in the development cycle of an F1 car!

I know that Louis has been able to observe up close and to analyze the dynamic behavior of the Ferraris for the last two years. From that vantage, Louis is convinced that Ferrari has something demonstratively superior to what he's driving.

It'll be fun to watch.

LuigiVampa

I can not begin to imagine the tirade of a use Hamilton will bestow on the pit wall when they start screwing up the strategy.

gbuff

I agree, through all the team turmoil he actually did win a race last year so he has it in him.

Carlo_Carrera

I wouldn't fret so much about Sainz's future. He has long been rumored to be near the top of Audi's list of potential drivers. Would not be surprised to see him at Stake Sauber in 2025.

StoogeMoe

I would laugh my *** off if Russel wins the championship in 2025.