Hamilton's Speed Under Scrutiny: Binotto Raises Questions
Apr.13 - The jury is out as to whether Lewis Hamilton still has what it takes in Formula 1.
That's the view of Mattia Binotto, who some months ago admitted that if he was still in charge at Ferrari, he would not have ousted Carlos Sainz in favour of the seven time world champion.
Hamilton, 40, left Mercedes at the end of last year having struggled for form ever since losing the 2021 world championship to Max Verstappen on the very last lap of the calendar.
"He has brought great enthusiasm, passion, and a lot of experience to Ferrari," Binotto, now in charge at Audi-owned Sauber, told Corriere della Sera newspaper.
"But that alone may not be enough."
The Shanghai sprint aside, Hamilton has been behind Charles Leclerc so far in 2025, and after qualifying in Bahrain, the Briton actually apologised to his team on the radio.
"I'm not doing the job," Hamilton, P9, admitted afterwards. "The car is a lot better than what I'm delivering with it."
Binotto explained: "We don't yet know how fast Lewis still is, and this experience will help him understand, since a strong driver adapts quickly.
"In these first races of 2025 we will see what the balance of power with Charles will be and what Charles's impact will be on him (Hamilton). These are question marks that I won't get into."
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In the pen , he was making a lot of excuses say but the quali records beginning to look reminiscent of last year and for a 7 times WDC that simply isnt good enough, it was an expensive name they signed and its beginning to look thats all it was, yeah , yeah nomatter how he raced today, but i hear you say you just dont like him, thats correct but as a driver, hes past his best, come on Lulu prove me wrong..!
Max? 1st last week, 6th this week. That’s not exactly impressive for a driver of his god like status. Seem to remember him being overtaken by Lewis and Lewis beating him despite being put on the hard tyres.
Who is Shamilton?
Is that the one with hair extensions?
At least Sir Lewis put on a great display for Ferrari yesterday with lots of overtaking increasing brand awareness giving great value for money as he has already earned them back what he cost and improving Ferraris public image through his understated philanthropy and social conscience . Oh and his living proof that you don’t have to have billionaire parents to make it in F1. I could go on but I don’t want to make you even more depressed than you already are. Can’t understand why you don’t like him!
PS Just had a fabulous piece of Victoria Sandwich just out of the oven while I wrote this inspiring piece.
PPS Do you actually live on the canal Stroppy?
My villa is located near to it yes...
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