Fred Vasseur has claimed that he “doesn’t care” about Lewis Hamilton’s ongoing contract speculation with Mercedes.
This statement comes despite the significant efforts Ferrari has made to secure the British driver’s signature.
Throughout the summer, Ferrari has actively courted the seven-time world champion.
It has made direct approaches with senior members of Mercedes and reached out to Hamilton on two separate occasions.
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However, Vasseur’s recent shift in focus is evident as he directs his attention towards the current driver line-up.
Robert Shwartzman and Oliver Bearman seem like they are not yet ready for Formula 1.
Therefore, Ferrari’s best interest lies in retaining Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
Speaking to media sources, Vasseur said: “I think it’s the same situation we have already seen in recent years, they are discussing.
“I don’t know what the problem is and whether it is there or not. I honestly don’t care.
“I am focused on the development of our team. It is something that concerns Lewis and Toto [Wolff], not me.”
Hamilton is out of contract at the end of this season and is yet to sign a new deal with the Silver Arrows.
He has been working with Mercedes since 2013, having left McLaren at the end of the 2012 season.
The British driver has won six of his seven world championships with the Silver Arrows.
Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, has said that the deal with Hamilton was “emotionally done” and that “only minor details needed to be ironed out.”
However, the length of the contract negotiation saga has raised a few eyebrows and rumours have continued to circulate.
With Vasseur’s comments, however, it seems that Ferrari is no longer actively pursuing Hamilton.
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The Frenchman’s stance serves as a reminder that the dynamics of Formula 1 extend beyond individual drivers.
The decisions and strategies of team principals play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of F1.
This comes in an era of headline-grabbing moves within the driver market.