F1 Live: Herbert Backs Horner for Ferrari, Hamilton Reflects on Rivals

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has suggested that Ferrari should consider signing Christian Horner as team principal to regain their winning edge, despite his admiration for current principal Fred Vasseur. This comes amid German media reports that Ferrari chairman John Elkann might be reconsidering Vasseur's future. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton offered a thoughtful response when asked about his most respected F1 rivals, highlighting his admiration for their sacrifices and acknowledging his own past championship battles.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's search for consistent championship success continues, with discussions around their leadership intensifying. A potential move for a proven winner like Christian Horner underscores the pressure on Fred Vasseur to deliver results. For Lewis Hamilton, his reflective comments offer insight into the mutual respect among top-tier F1 drivers, even those with whom he's had intense rivalries.

The Details:

• Horner to Ferrari Rumors: Johnny Herbert, a former F1 race winner, believes Ferrari might need a leader with a track record of guiding a struggling team to glory, hinting at Christian Horner. Herbert remains a fan of current team principal Fred Vasseur.
• Vasseur's Future: German media reports suggest Ferrari chairman John Elkann could be re-evaluating Vasseur's position amidst the team's ongoing challenges. It's noteworthy that Vasseur signed a contract extension in July.
• Hamilton's Classy Response: When asked which F1 driver he was most proud of defeating, Lewis Hamilton showed respect for his competitors, acknowledging their significant sacrifices in pursuit of their title ambitions.
• Championship Battles: Hamilton, a seven-time world champion alongside Michael Schumacher, has competed fiercely against rivals such as Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel. He also experienced a championship loss to Max Verstappen in 2021.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's strategic decisions, particularly concerning team leadership, are crucial as they strive to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of Formula 1. The team's inability to consistently challenge for titles has led to continuous speculation about their management structure and direction. On the driver front, Hamilton's reflections highlight the high-stakes and demanding nature of F1, where mutual respect can exist even among the fiercest competitors.

What's next:

The discussions around Ferrari's leadership will likely persist as the season progresses, with all eyes on whether Fred Vasseur can steer the team towards a more competitive future. For Hamilton, his focus remains on adding to his record-breaking career, while continuing to be a prominent voice on and off the track.