Ferrari followers flocked to Fiorano for his or her first glimpse of Lewis Hamilton donning the staff’s iconic pink overalls, however the resolution to switch Carlos Sainz with the seven-time world champion has left Jacky Ickx feeling ‘unhappy.’
Jacky Ickx, a legendary Scuderia driver, doesn’t imagine Lewis Hamilton’s two-year contract, which incorporates an choice for a 3rd 12 months, was purely primarily based on sporting advantage. He argues that Ferrari already had a well-balanced driver line-up with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who constantly carried out at an analogous degree.
The Spanish driver joined Ferrari in 2021, changing four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, and spent 4 years racing alongside Leclerc. Throughout that point, the Spaniard outscored the Monegasque in his first season, secured 4 Grand Prix victories in comparison with Leclerc’s six, and achieved 21 podium finishes to his teammate’s 30.
Jacky Ickx: Ferrari signed Lewis Hamilton for ‘advertising,’ leaving Carlos Sainz departure ‘unhappy’
The chance to signal Hamilton, who holds information for probably the most Grand Prix wins, podiums, and pole positions in F1 historical past, was just too tempting for Ferrari as they entered 2024 with each Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc within the remaining 12 months of their contracts. Ferrari finalized Lewis Hamilton’s signing in February, shortly after extending the Monegasque driver’s deal till 2029.
Nevertheless, Jacky Ickx believes the choice wasn’t solely about Lewis Hamilton’s unparalleled on-track achievements. As a substitute, he views the transfer as closely influenced by Hamilton’s standing as one of many world’s most marketable athletes, suggesting that Carlos Sainz’s exit was pushed extra by industrial concerns than efficiency.
Jacky Ickx, talking to *Mundo Deportivo*, expressed his ideas on Carlos Sainz’s tenure at Ferrari and his departure from the staff. He famous that Sainz had carried out admirably throughout his time at Maranello however recommended that Ferrari’s resolution to signal Lewis Hamilton might have been influenced by components past pure racing advantage. In accordance with Ickx, Ferrari was doubtless tempted to safe Hamilton’s providers for advertising causes, in addition to Hamilton’s need to embark on a brand new chapter in his profession and embrace Ferrari in his illustrious historical past.
Jacky Ickx emphasised that there was nothing to criticize about Sainz’s efficiency at Ferrari. The Spaniard had achieved success, together with Grand Prix victories, however Ickx remarked that these accomplishments had been now a part of the previous, and Carlos Sainz wanted to give attention to the subsequent chapter of his profession. He highlighted the multifaceted nature of Components 1, stating that it’s not nearly politics but additionally economics and advertising, though, in the end, the purpose is at all times to win.
The Belgian, who completed as runner-up within the drivers’ standings with Ferrari in 1970, admitted that Sainz’s departure from the Scuderia saddened him, particularly given the sturdy performances the Spaniard delivered throughout his tenure. Nevertheless, Jacky Ickx careworn that Sainz should now think about his future with Williams and depart Ferrari behind.
Reflecting on the partnership between the Spaniard and Charles Leclerc, Jacky Ickx expressed his admiration for the way properly the 2 drivers labored collectively. He famous that the pairing was efficient, with each drivers successful races and constantly staying shut to 1 one other when it comes to efficiency. He acknowledged the problem in understanding how the choice to finish that partnership took place however reiterated his disappointment over Carlos Sainz’s departure.
Finally, Jacky Ickx inspired the previous Ferrari man to maneuver ahead and give attention to taking advantage of his new alternative at Williams, slightly than dwelling on what may need been. For Ickx, the important thing to success lies in embracing the current and doing one’s greatest with the sources at hand.
Ferrari, as one of the vital iconic and recognizable manufacturers on the earth, didn’t essentially must signal Lewis Hamilton purely for advertising functions. Nevertheless, when the chance to safe a driver of Hamilton’s stature presents itself, it’s tough to move up the extra enhance he brings each on and off the observe.
Hamilton’s international enchantment is plain, as highlighted by SportsPro’s 2024 rankings of the world’s most marketable athletes, the place he holds the eleventh spot. Topping the record is Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, adopted by Actual Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, NBA legend LeBron James, WNBA star Caitlin Clark, and soccer icon Lionel Messi. These athletes have cemented their positions as international superstars, commanding large audiences and model enchantment.
Notably, Hamilton outranks a bunch of different sporting legends within the marketability stakes. Cristiano Ronaldo, considered one of soccer’s best ever gamers, is ranked ninth, whereas NFL sensation Travis Kelce, who has garnered extra fame because the companion of pop famous person Taylor Swift, sits simply behind Hamilton in twelfth place. Rising tennis star Coco Gauff follows in thirteenth.
On the earth of Components 1, Lewis Hamilton leads the pack in relation to marketability. His closest rivals, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are ranked considerably decrease, at thirty first and thirty third, respectively. The British driver’s capacity to transcend the game and enchantment to audiences far past F1 reinforces why Ferrari couldn’t ignore the worth he brings, even because the Scuderia stays a powerhouse model in its personal proper.
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