Vasseur did not ask Mercedes to release Hamilton for Abu Dhabi testing

The end-of-season tests in Abu Dhabi often allow teams that have recruited for the following year to run their new drivers. This was the case in 2022 when Fernando Alonso left Alpine Aston Martin while Pierre Gasly was released the same year by Alpha Tauri (now Racing Bulls) to make his debut with Alpine. 

This year, while the grid will be profoundly reworked in 2025, some have also been favored by their future ex-employer. Carlos Sainz for example, will be able to drive for Williams in Abu Dhabi. " The story is that I want to thank Carlos for his collaboration, smiles Frédéric Vasseur, grateful to the Madrilenian and his contribution to Ferrari. And I don't want to block him or anything. He's done a very good job with us this season and he's been very professional because it would have been easy not to let go, but to not have an attitude as professional as he has. And for me, the best way to thank Carlos was also to give him the opportunity to do the test with Williams » 

On the other hand, the Scuderia's French team principal will not have the same luck with Lewis Hamilton that he expects from Maranello next season. Indeed, the Englishman will have to wait a little longer before being officially red because of certain contracts, linked in particular to the partners of Mercedes. 

« They have a contract so I didn't even ask Toto (Wolff) to do something, » recognize Frédéric Vasseur. And the Mercedes team principal added. " Fred didn't ask. I think there's also maybe a difference if you go to Williams, but we have contractual agreements with the sponsors. We have a farewell to Lewis. We have a lot of activities planned. We talked about it briefly, and he said, "I guess it's not going to work." And I said yes, it's not going to work. And that's how it went. So I don't think Fred is particularly sad.. » The Frenchman denied it, assuring once again to respect the lease between Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. Just because we do something for Carlos doesn't mean everyone else has to do the same., " he concluded as Ferrari plans to offer the seven-time world champion a ride in vintage cars at Fiorano before flying to pre-season testing in Bahrain.

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