An irrepressible and likable character, Vasseur has made a robust begin to main Ferrari out of its newest period of underachievement. The mission stays a piece in progress – however the operational errors of earlier years have been fewer in quantity final 12 months. Vasseur has been a unifying presence.

But from Ferrari’s facet, why does it desire a 39-year-old over the spectacular 29-year-old Sainz? Because Hamilton proved in 2023 he nonetheless has the growling starvation to return to the highest – and he drove in addition to ever throughout the season. Give him the automobile and he’ll ship.

Combined with Leclerc, Ferrari will seemingly have the strongest line-up on the grid subsequent 12 months – and Hamilton’s presence will galvanise and additional inspire the workforce. He would possibly properly additionally help Vasseur’s much-needed recruitment drive for contemporary technical heads.

So what about this season? Hamilton signed a two-year deal extension with Mercedes simply final August, however it appears the second of these had some kind of break choice – which he has actioned a little bit greater than a month earlier than the beginning of the brand new marketing campaign. For now, he stays a Mercedes driver. That’s going to be awkward.

We’ve seen such a situation earlier than. Alonso was introduced as a McLaren driver forward of the 2006 season however noticed out his Renault deal earlier than switching camps the next 12 months. But how the dynamics can work this time round stays to be seen.

A Hamilton sabbatical, standing him down with fast impact, would keep away from an enormous distraction in what is an important rebuilding 12 months for the Mercedes F1 workforce. But at this late stage, who on earth might Toto Wolff signal to switch a seven-time champion?

The questions roll on. How will Leclerc react, on condition that he has simply recommitted himself to Ferrari for an undefined long-term? Surely Vasseur informed him this was attainable. They additionally return a great distance.

What if Mercedes blows Ferrari away in 2024? That would sow a seed of doubt. And what if the Ferrari gamble does backfire in 2025 and Hamilton is compelled once more to dig deep for motivation? Will he have the power and want?