Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur believes the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in 2025 will provide the Italian team with a much-needed "boost" as it continues its quest for championship success.
As Carlos Sainz begins his journey with Williams, making his debut in their 2024 car during a filming day in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari is already looking ahead to the contributions of the seven-time world champion who is replacing him.
The 30-year-old Sainz leaves Ferrari on a high note, having delivered consistent performances, while Hamilton's recent season at Mercedes ended on a less impressive note.
Former teammate Nico Rosberg, who competed alongside Hamilton at Mercedes, offered a cautious outlook on the 39-year-old's Ferrari prospects.
"Everything depends on his form," Rosberg told Sky Italia. "If it's the same as this year, then it won't be easy for him. If he finds his usual magic, it will be a spectacle."
Hamilton's qualifying struggles this year, where George Russell usually outclassed him, have raised questions.
"Hamilton had better prepare properly," former F1 driver Christijan Albers commented. "Because if there is a real monster of qualifying in Formula 1 these days, it is Charles Leclerc. I even think that if you put Leclerc and Max Verstappen together, Max would have problems."
Despite the concerns, Vasseur has dismissed any doubts about Hamilton's impact on Ferrari's progress.
"The arrival of Lewis gives us a good boost," Vasseur said during the Abu Dhabi finale. "He will certainly see some things differently than we do.
"Lewis has 18 years of experience and so many successes that his perspective is important for our development. He will help us continue the successful path that we are on."
Ferrari made significant strides in 2024, increasing its points tally by 50 percent compared to the previous season, according to Vasseur. However, the team boss is also clear that the ultimate goal remains winning championships.
"We have had a good season and made a solid step forward. But the goal is to win titles," he added.
Echoing the sentiment was Ferrari's executive chairman, John Elkann, who reflected on the season after losing the constructors' championship to McLaren.
"Let's use this season as a starting point for a year in 2025 in which we will be even more competitive," Elkann declared.
