Ferrari followers flocked to Fiorano for his or her first glimpse of Lewis Hamilton donning the crew’s iconic purple 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 possibility 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 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 ultimate 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 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 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 crew. He famous that Sainz had carried out admirably throughout his time at Maranello however prompt that Ferrari’s resolution to signal Lewis Hamilton might have been influenced by components past pure racing advantage. In accordance with Ickx, Ferrari was seemingly 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 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 following chapter of his profession. He highlighted the multifaceted nature of System 1, stating that it’s not nearly politics but additionally economics and advertising and marketing, though, in the end, 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 robust performances the Spaniard delivered throughout his tenure. Nevertheless, Jacky Ickx burdened that Sainz should now consider his future with Williams and go away Ferrari behind.
Reflecting on the partnership between the Spaniard and Charles Leclerc, Jacky Ickx expressed his admiration for a way effectively 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 issue 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 profiting from his new alternative at Williams, slightly 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 one of the crucial iconic and recognizable manufacturers on this planet, didn’t essentially must signal Lewis Hamilton purely for advertising and marketing functions. Nevertheless, when the chance to safe a driver of Hamilton’s stature presents itself, it’s troublesome to move up the extra enhance he brings each on and off the monitor.
Hamilton’s international 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 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 attraction.
Notably, Hamilton outranks a bunch of different sporting legends within the marketability stakes. Cristiano Ronaldo, certainly one of soccer’s best ever gamers, is ranked ninth, whereas NFL sensation Travis Kelce, who has garnered further fame because the accomplice of pop celebrity Taylor Swift, sits simply behind Hamilton in twelfth place. Rising tennis star Coco Gauff follows in thirteenth.
On this planet of System 1, Lewis Hamilton leads the pack in the case of marketability. His closest opponents, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, are ranked considerably decrease, at thirty first and thirty third, respectively. The British driver’s means 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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