Sport nationFERRARI CHAIRMAN JOHN ELKANN HITS BACK AT JACKY ICKX OVER LEWIS HAMILTON CLAIM
Ferrari chairman John Elkann has defended the signing of Lewis Hamilton, dismissing claims from former Ferrari driver Jacky Ickx that the move was motivated by “marketing reasons.”
Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, joined Ferrari from Mercedes in a high-profile move, partnering Charles Leclerc at the Scuderia. However, Ickx, who won six of his eight F1 races with Ferrari, questioned the motivation behind the signing.
“Carlos Sainz has done very well at Ferrari,” Ickx said. “Ferrari were tempted to sign Hamilton, probably for marketing reasons, and probably because Lewis wanted a new experience and to include Ferrari in his history.”
Elkann, however, has hit back at Ickx’s claims, insisting that Hamilton’s signing was driven by a desire to win championships, not to boost the team’s marketing profile.
“I think it’s really unfair to Lewis, some of the comments saying, ‘This is a marketing operation,'” Elkann said. “Truth said, Lewis doesn’t need that. Ferrari doesn’t need that. What we need to do is win championships and do great things on the track. If that happens, what we can do outside of the track, in some ways, takes care of itself.”
Elkann’s comments were made in an interview with TIME Magazine, in which he also discussed Hamilton’s role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the team. Hamilton has been a vocal advocate for greater diversity in F1, and Elkann believes that his influence will be felt both on and off the track.
Hamilton has already begun to make his presence felt at Ferrari, with team principal Fred Vasseur praising his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the team.
“It’s not politically correct, but first is performance,” Vasseur said. “I’m keen to go into the direction of diversity and so on. We are doing our best effort. We are trying to push in this direction, but I want to build up the best team.”
As Ferrari looks to mount a challenge for the F1 championship, Elkann’s comments will be seen as a clear statement of intent. With Hamilton on board, the Scuderia is confident that it has the talent and the expertise to compete with the best teams in the sport.
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