Ferrari chief gives telling answer when asked why Lewis Hamilton was signed over Max Verstappen

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur gave a telling answer when asked why the Scuderia signed Lewis Hamilton over Max Verstappen for 2025.

Hamilton made the shock move to depart Mercedes to join Ferrari on a multi-year contract from the beginning of next season.

The 39-year-old will join Ferrari in place of Carlos Sainz, who has signed for Williams on a three-year contract to partner Alex Albon.

Hamilton will therefore team up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, with the Italian team looking to put themselves in the best position to dominate the sport when the major new regulations are implemented for 2026 onwards.

Hamilton was Ferrari's top choice to take the seat, while reigning champion Verstappen admitted that he was never an option as he was happy at Red Bull.

He said in February: "I'm comfortable in the environment I'm in so it's not something I'm looking to change, but again, in my life, you always want to experience, so never say never.

"But, for me now, it's not even in my head."

Now, Vasseur has explained why Ferrari wanted Hamilton instead of Verstappen for 2025.

He told reporters before the Dutch Grand Prix: "Beyond Max's long contract with Red Bull, Lewis is ideal for Ferrari.

"For his experience, for the relationship he has with Charles, for the calm."

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While Verstappen has won the last three Drivers' Championships with Red Bull - and could win a fourth this season - his future at the team hasn't appeared completely secure.

The Dutchman has been linked with a possible move to Mercedes as Hamilton's replacement, but the Silver Arrows told GPBlog earlier this week that he is now not an option for the seat.

Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli is considered the favourite to partner George Russell next season.

The Italian, who is 18 years of age, will replace Hamilton in the Mercedes for the opening practice session at the Italian Grand Prix next weekend.

Antonelli is currently driving in his debut F2 season with Prema, where he is comfortably out-performing his more experienced team-mate Oliver Bearman - who will drive for Haas in 2025 - and already has two wins to his name.