Todt: Ferrari isn't necessarily 'better' with Hamilton.

      Jean Todt expresses uncertainty regarding whether Ferrari will be "better" now that seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has joined the team. Todt, a former FIA president, is well-known for his role as team principal at Ferrari during Michael Schumacher's dominance in the sport.

      The Frenchman notes that Ferrari was already well positioned with Hamilton's predecessor, Carlos Sainz. "What does Ferrari lack to win?" Todt, 78, said in an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica. "Very, very little. The team was already very close to it. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz formed a strong driver lineup. Ferrari definitely did not lose because of the drivers."

      Todt acknowledges that Hamilton's skill and experience are beneficial for the iconic team. "Clearly, with Hamilton, the lineup will be of the highest caliber," he continued. "Will it be better than the previous one? I have no idea. We’ll need to see how competitive the car is."

      What Todt is confident about is that Leclerc, whose career is managed by his son Nicholas Todt, will not be intimidated by the presence of the 40-year-old Hamilton. "I don’t think Charles will be affected by Hamilton," he stated. "For him, it might represent an opportunity to become even more motivated, similar to George Russell’s experience at Mercedes."

      Hamilton and Leclerc are currently testing Ferrari’s 2024 car for Pirelli in Barcelona this week. Reports indicate that Hamilton's fastest lap on Tuesday was a tenth of a second quicker than Leclerc’s.

      Additionally, it is rumored that Ferrari will reveal a new livery featuring a darker shade of red for 2025. "From a brand perspective, Lewis’ arrival is definitely positive," Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna mentioned during a financial conference call this week. "He will make a great pairing with Leclerc."