“The subject of money is always central” – MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is happy Lewis Hamilton has re-signed for Mercedes and also spoke about Charles Leclerc and new Renault F1 boss Davide Brivio.
Valentino Rossi is to MotoGP what Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton are to Formula 1. All three legends are seven-time champions, the highest in their sports.
Lewis Hamilton should go one up on both of them, though, as he has finally re-signed the contract extension with Mercedes. This has pleased his friend Rossi, who concedes money plays a crucial role in contract dealings.
“We write to each other, we talk to each other often for years. I expected him to sign the contract. Winning with Hamilton for Mercedes is important, even if expensive. The subject of money is always central.”
Valentino Rossi: I like Ferrari and I like Leclerc
Rossi admitted he is a Ferrari and Charles Leclerc fan but wants the Italians to develop a better car. This, he hopes, will allow them to compete with Mercedes and Red Bull. Last season, Ferrari was dueling with the likes of Renault, McLaren, and AlphaTauri.
“I am an F1 fan, I like Ferrari and I like Leclerc, I think he is among the strongest drivers on the track. The man to win is there, now they have to build a car up to the mark. Comparing with Mercedes is a problem, for everyone. But Ferrari must at least be there, like Red Bull, to make a nuisance of themselves.”
Rossi sad and happy at Brivio’s Renault F1 appointment
Rossi also spoke on the appointment of Suzuki’s Davide Brivio as the racing director at Alpine. Rossi expressed sadness at him leaving MotoGP, but happy for his switch to the most premium racing category.
“I’m sorry he’s no longer in MotoGP. He is a manager who has raised the general level and he is a person I have always enjoyed meeting. I’m happy for him, though.”
