Former Ferrari boss Jean Todt has cast doubt on whether Lewis Hamilton's arrival will necessarily improve the Italian team's performance.
Todt, who presided over Ferrari's dominant Michael Schumacher era, believes the team was already on the brink of success before signing the seven-time world champion.
"What does Ferrari lack to win? Very, very little. The team was already very close to it," Todt told La Repubblica.
Todt expressed strong support for Ferrari's previous driver line-up, dismissing suggestions that the team's recent challenges were driver-related.
Lewis Hamilton has left Mercedes for FerrariReuters"Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz was a great line-up of drivers. Ferrari definitely did not lose because of the drivers," he added.
The former Ferrari boss's comments highlight his belief that the team's previous pairing was more than capable of delivering success.
While acknowledging Hamilton's credentials, Todt remained measured about the impact of Ferrari's high-profile signing.
"Obviously, with Hamilton, the lineup will be of the highest level," he said. "Will it be better than the previous one? I have no idea."
The former Ferrari chief emphasised that the team's fortunes would ultimately depend on their machinery.
"We'll have to see how good the car is," he added, suggesting that vehicle performance would be the decisive factor in Ferrari's championship hopes.
Jean Todt (right) is not convinced Lewis Hamilton will change things at Ferrari
GETTYTodt expressed confidence that Hamilton's arrival would not unsettle Leclerc's position within the team.
"I don't think Charles will be affected by Hamilton," he said.
"For him, it could be an opportunity to be even more motivated, just like George Russell was at Mercedes."
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna has also welcomed Hamilton's signing, highlighting its commercial value.
"At a brand level, Lewis' arrival is certainly good," Vigna said during a financial conference call. "He will be a great pairing with Leclerc."
Both Hamilton and Leclerc are currently conducting tests with Ferrari's 2024 car at Barcelona for Pirelli.
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