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 exchange 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 possibility for a 3rd 12 months, was purely based mostly 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 the same 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 and marketing,’ leaving Carlos Sainz departure ‘unhappy’
The chance to signal Hamilton, who holds data 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.
Nonetheless, 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 issues than efficiency.
Jacky Ickx, talking to *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 steered that Ferrari’s determination to signal Lewis Hamilton could have been influenced by components past pure racing benefit. In keeping with Ickx, Ferrari was possible tempted to safe Hamilton’s providers for advertising and marketing causes, in addition to Hamilton’s need to embark on a brand new chapter in his profession and embody 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 deal with the following chapter of his profession. He highlighted the multifaceted nature of Formulation 1, stating that it’s not nearly politics but additionally economics and advertising and marketing, though, finally, the aim 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. Nonetheless, Jacky Ickx pressured 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 effectively the 2 drivers labored collectively. He famous that the pairing was efficient, with each drivers profitable races and persistently staying shut to 1 one other when it comes to efficiency. He acknowledged the problem in understanding how the choice to finish that partnership happened however reiterated his disappointment over Carlos Sainz’s departure.
Finally, Jacky Ickx inspired the previous Ferrari man to maneuver ahead and deal with profiting from his new alternative at Williams, fairly than dwelling on what might 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 some of the iconic and recognizable manufacturers on the earth, didn’t essentially have to signal Lewis Hamilton purely for advertising and marketing functions. Nonetheless, when the chance to safe a driver of Hamilton’s stature presents itself, it’s tough to cross up the extra increase he brings each on and off the observe.
Hamilton’s world attraction 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 checklist 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 huge audiences and model attraction.
Notably, Hamilton outranks a bunch of different sporting legends within the marketability stakes. Cristiano Ronaldo, considered one of soccer’s biggest ever gamers, is ranked ninth, whereas NFL sensation Travis Kelce, who has garnered extra fame because the companion of pop celebrity Taylor Swift, sits simply behind Hamilton in twelfth place. Rising tennis star Coco Gauff follows in thirteenth.
On the planet of Formulation 1, Lewis Hamilton leads the pack in relation to marketability. His closest opponents, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are ranked considerably decrease, at thirty first and thirty third, respectively. The British driver’s capability to transcend the game and attraction 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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