© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Former Mercedes Motorsport Strategy Director James Vowles says Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is “not good for Mercedes short-term”, but “they’ll come back stronger as a result”.
During Williams’ 2024 car launch, the team’s boss James Vowles, who had a long stint at Mercedes as the team’s Motorsport Strategy Director, was asked to comment on Lewis Hamilton’s shock move to Ferrari.
“Lewis’s [move to Ferrari], the timing came as a surprise to me,” Vowles said.
“His want and desire to be in a Ferrari at some point in his career, no, I think most world champions have either been there or have a desire to be there.
“Because it’s a force of nature, it is still the most successful team in Formula 1. It is, and that can’t be ignored.”
The Briton added Lewis’ decision shows the type of sportsman he is.
“It gives an opportunity to really question. It’s the hardest thing you do. For every human in the world to move from where you’re comfortable to where you’re not…
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“It challenges you and pushes you to the limits, and that’s Lewis all over.
“So the fact he’s doing it, I actually think it’s good for the sport, it’ll be good for Lewis, because he’ll learn from it, and he will challenge himself.”
Mercedes’ team boss Toto Wolff admitted Lewis’ move came as a surprise to the team. Vowles believes it might be difficult for the team right now, but it will only make them stronger in the future.
“It’s not good for Mercedes short-term. But, actually, I think you’re gonna see they’re going to be absolutely fine on where they get to on drivers, and they’ll come back stronger as a result.
“So, ultimately, it’s a good thing all around in time,” he concluded.
