No hard feelings for Felipe Massa towards Lewis Hamilton amid Ferrari deal: “A great move”. No hard feelings for Felipe Massa towards his former F1 rival Lewis Hamilton.

Felipe Massa comments on Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Scuderia Ferrari starting with the 2025 Formula 1 season, pointing out that the Englishman’s signing is a significant move.

No hard feelings for Felipe Massa towards his former F1 rival Lewis Hamilton, who has just signed a multi-year deal with Ferrari. Despite the still very much alive intentions to pursue his legal case for the 2008 World Championship, the Brazilian does not hide his excitement about Maranello’s new acquisition. An opportunity to be exploited for both parties involved.

The signing of the century also softens Felipe Massa. It’s true that the former Ferrari driver has never denied the respect he has for Lewis Hamilton, but the sweet words after the deal with the Scuderia can still be surprising for some. Interviewed by the Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the Brazilian is clear: “Lewis Hamilton’s arrival is a great move, important in terms of commerce and marketing, but it must be used to strengthen the team.”

An engagement that should not surprise, upon careful analysis: Lewis Hamilton has always dreamed of Ferrari, and the performance drop of Mercedes has given him the right impetus to try something different. This is also an opportunity for Charles Leclerc: “A driver like the Monegasque, who is now the team leader and has just renewed for many years, should not be afraid of anyone.”

“The important thing is that he stays focused on his work,” explains Felipe Massa. “It’s clear that Lewis Hamilton’s arrival will change something in the team because a driver with his titles cannot be compared to Carlos Sainz, as good as he is. But this situation will also be a boost for Charles Leclerc, who will want to prove that he is at the same level or superior to Lewis Hamilton, driving the same car.” – the Brazilian pointed out.

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Felipe Massa is convinced that by defeating the newcomer, Charles Leclerc’s status would rise in his favor. The age factor, moreover, should not be underestimated: “Even Michael Schumacher, when he went to Mercedes, was no longer the same as in the golden seasons with Ferrari.” – he added.

Managing the future coexistence between the Monegasque and the Englishman should not be a big problem, according to the former Ferrari driver. Instead, it will be interesting to see who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes: “If I were Toto Wolff, I would take Alonso. My second choice is Norris, but he signed with McLaren. Alternatively, I would immediately bet on Andrea Kimi Antonelli.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded.