Breaking: Ferrari Boss Vasseur Defends Lewis Hamilton Against Harsh Cr…read more

Ferrari Boss Vasseur Defends Lewis Hamilton Against Harsh Criticism

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has come to the defense of his new star driver, Lewis Hamilton, amid a wave of criticism suggesting the seven-time Formula 1 world champion is past his prime. After a highly publicized switch from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, Hamilton has faced scrutiny over his recent performances, with some questioning whether his best racing days are behind him.

Vasseur, however, has strongly refuted those claims, describing them as not only unfair but completely untrue. In an interview with L’Équipe, the Frenchman highlighted Hamilton’s skill and resilience, citing his remarkable final race with Mercedes last year as proof that he remains one of the most talented drivers on the grid.

“You have to acknowledge that some of the criticism directed at Lewis has been extremely severe,” Vasseur said. “Suggesting that he’s over the hill or no longer competitive is not only harsh—it’s false. Just take a look at his performance in his last race with Mercedes. He started 16th and finished fourth. That wasn’t luck—it was pure skill. He overtook his team-mate and a number of other strong drivers. That’s not something a ‘washed-up’ driver does.”

Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marked the end of a decade-long partnership that yielded six world championships and numerous race wins. However, recent seasons were less fruitful, as the team struggled to adapt to new regulations and failed to provide a consistently competitive car. Eager to return to the top step of the podium, Hamilton chose to begin a new chapter with Ferrari—an iconic team that has been striving to reclaim its former glory.

So far, the 2025 campaign has not gone as hoped for the British driver. Adjusting to a new team and a different car has taken time, and Hamilton has yet to hit the kind of form that once made him nearly unbeatable. He has only managed to score 15 points across the opening rounds, placing him eighth in the drivers’ standings. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, has also had a modest start, just five points ahead with 20.

Despite the slow beginning, Hamilton did enjoy a brief highlight during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, where he secured his first-ever sprint race victory. It was a rare moment of joy in an otherwise frustrating start to the season. Unfortunately, any momentum was lost when both Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified from the main race on Sunday for breaching FIA regulations, which nullified any points they would have gained.

Vasseur, however, remains confident that Hamilton will soon show why he’s still considered one of the sport’s all-time greats. “Transitions like these are never easy,” he said. “He’s adapting to a new car, a new environment, and a new way of working. But Lewis is a champion. His drive, his hunger, and his ability to push the limits remain as strong as ever.”

With the season now well underway following the Japanese Grand Prix, Ferrari is under pressure to step up. Expectations were sky-high following Hamilton’s arrival, and fans hoped his presence would finally help the Scuderia mount a serious title challenge. Instead, both drivers find themselves well off the pace, and unless things turn around quickly, hopes of fighting for the championship could slip away.

Still, Vasseur is standing firm in his belief that Hamilton will deliver. “It’s too early to write him off,” he said. “He’s not done yet—not by a long shot.”