Ferrari followers flocked to Fiorano for his or her first glimpse of Lewis Hamilton donning the group’s iconic pink overalls, however the determination to interchange Carlos Sainz with the seven-time world champion has left Jacky Ickx feeling ‘unhappy.’
Jacky Ickx, a legendary Scuderia driver, doesn’t consider Lewis Hamilton’s two-year contract, which incorporates an choice for a 3rd 12 months, was purely primarily based on sporting benefit. He argues that Ferrari already had a well-balanced driver line-up with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who persistently carried out at an analogous stage.
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 data for essentially 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 last 12 months of their contracts. Ferrari finalized Lewis Hamilton’s signing in February, shortly after extending the Monegasque driver’s deal till 2029.
Nonetheless, Jacky Ickx believes the choice wasn’t solely about Lewis Hamilton’s unparalleled on-track achievements. As an alternative, 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 business issues than efficiency.
Jacky Ickx, chatting with *Mundo Deportivo*, expressed his ideas on Carlos Sainz’s tenure at Ferrari and his departure from the group. He famous that Sainz had carried out admirably throughout his time at Maranello however advised that Ferrari’s determination to signal Lewis Hamilton might have been influenced by components past pure racing benefit. In line with Ickx, Ferrari was seemingly tempted to safe Hamilton’s companies 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 concentrate on 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, finally, the purpose is all the time 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. Nonetheless, Jacky Ickx careworn that Sainz should now focus on 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 effectively the 2 drivers labored collectively. He famous that the pairing was efficient, with each drivers successful races and persistently staying shut to at least one 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 concentrate on taking advantage of his new alternative at Williams, relatively than dwelling on what may need been. For Ickx, the important thing to success lies in embracing the current and doing one’s finest 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. Nonetheless, 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 world enchantment is simple, as highlighted by SportsPro’s 2024 rankings of the world’s most marketable athletes, the place he holds the eleventh spot. Topping the listing 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 world superstars, commanding large audiences and model enchantment.
Notably, Hamilton outranks a bunch of different sporting legends within the marketability stakes. Cristiano Ronaldo, certainly one of soccer’s biggest ever gamers, is ranked ninth, whereas NFL sensation Travis Kelce, who has garnered further fame because the associate of pop famous person Taylor Swift, sits simply behind Hamilton in twelfth place. Rising tennis star Coco Gauff follows in thirteenth.
On the planet of Components 1, Lewis Hamilton leads the pack with regards 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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