Ferrari ‘should’ve offered F1 star a blank cheque instead of signing…read more
Ferrari chiefs have been advised that they made a mistake by signing Lewis Hamilton and should have pursued Max Verstappen with a “blank cheque” instead. The seven-time world champion Hamilton was recently introduced as a Ferrari driver, sparking excitement among fans. He expressed his joy at joining Ferrari, calling it a “dream come true” to wear the iconic red suit. However, Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel has shared a bold opinion, suggesting that the Italian team should have focused on Verstappen as their top target, rather than signing Hamilton.
In an interview with RacingNews365, Coronel explained that if he were Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, he would have approached Verstappen’s camp with a massive offer. “I said last year, before Hamilton announced the switch, if I had been Fred Vasseur, I would have sent the entire Verstappen camp a blank cheque,” Coronel said. He emphasized that Ferrari’s focus should have been on acquiring the reigning Formula One world champion instead of bringing in Hamilton, despite the British driver’s legendary status.
According to Coronel, Ferrari should have been willing to pay whatever amount Verstappen asked for to ensure he drove for the team, even if it meant financial strain on the company. “If I were the boss of Ferrari, I would immediately call Max Verstappen’s management,” Coronel continued. “I would give him a blank cheque on which he can fill in the amount per year, as long as Max wears a red suit.” The implication is clear: Ferrari should have prioritized securing Verstappen, a driver many consider the most dominant in F1 today.
Coronel’s argument rests on the belief that Verstappen’s unmatched talent and recent success with Red Bull make him the best option for Ferrari if they want to consistently win races and championships. While Hamilton has enjoyed a historic career, Coronel argues that Verstappen’s current dominance on the track makes him the superior choice for the future. The Dutch driver has been untouchable in recent seasons, collecting multiple world championships and further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest in the sport.
Although Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is certainly a major headline and has generated a lot of excitement, Coronel’s comments suggest that the Italian team may have missed an opportunity to secure a younger, more dominant driver who could lead them to sustained success. Verstappen’s potential to deliver long-term results for Ferrari could be far more valuable than Hamilton’s legendary career, especially if the team is serious about returning to the top of Formula One.
