Lewis Hamilton’s surprising decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari has drawn comparisons to other major team switches in motorsport. MotoGP has already seen a similar move with Marc Marquez leaving Honda for Gresini Ducati, and the rider market is expected to be volatile in 2024. Yamaha MotoGP boss Lin Jarvis referenced Hamilton’s moves in relation to Fabio Quartararo, not as a sign that Quartararo might leave, but as a way to ensure Yamaha can keep him. Like Hamilton, Quartararo has had success with Yamaha, but the team has stagnated in recent years. Jarvis believes it’s important to convince Quartararo of Yamaha’s future potential.
Jarvis sees Hamilton’s moves as informative and emphasizes the importance of long-term promise when it comes to rider choices. He believes that signing a contract is not just about the current bike, but about the future bike as well. He points to Hamilton’s change to Mercedes in 2013 as an example of a bold move that paid off because Hamilton had confidence in the team’s ability to be competitive in the future. Jarvis wants to convince Quartararo and other riders of Yamaha’s intention, capacity, and skills for the future.
Unlike Hamilton’s moves, which coincided with major regulations changes, Yamaha does not have a regulation change to use as a selling point. However, the team is making efforts to improve its performance. Yamaha has focused on engine development, with the help of ex-Ferrari F1 engine chief Luca Marmorini, and has recruited from Ducati to strengthen its aero development. Jarvis hopes that Yamaha can return to winning ways in a short time, but acknowledges the challenge posed by Ducati’s high level of competitiveness.
Quartararo, who knows Hamilton well, acknowledges Jarvis’s comparison and expresses confidence in Yamaha’s efforts to improve. He believes that Yamaha is making significant progress compared to previous years. Quartararo remains focused on the current season but acknowledges that his future decision will be important.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sparked excitement in the F1 driver market, which has been relatively stagnant for the past year. The MotoGP silly season, on the other hand, is already in full swing, with notable moves such as Marquez’s switch to a satellite Ducati. Jarvis, who also needs to find a new satellite team, expects a chaotic time with many riders and teams without contracts for 2025.
In summary, the comparison between Hamilton’s moves and Quartararo’s situation highlights the importance of long-term potential and convincing riders of a team’s future prospects. Yamaha is working to improve its performance and retain Quartararo, while the rider market in both F1 and MotoGP is expected to be eventful in the coming years.