BREAKING: Ferrari F1 boss makes feelings clear as Lewis Hamilton struggles at Australian GP… Read more
Ferrari F1 boss makes feelings clear as Lewis Hamilton struggles at Australian GP
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated debut with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix did not go exactly as expected, with the seven-time world champion finishing 12th during the first practice session. The Brit, who signed with Ferrari over a year ago and generated significant excitement during the off-season, struggled to find his pace during FP1. Over the team radio, Hamilton reported difficulties adjusting to his new Ferrari SF-25, admitting that he was “struggling” with the car’s handling.
Despite the underwhelming start to his Ferrari career, team principal Frederic Vasseur remains confident in Hamilton’s ability to bounce back quickly. In a press conference held between the two practice sessions, Vasseur emphasized that there is no need for immediate concern about Hamilton’s performance. He believes that the 40-year-old will deliver results soon, once he becomes more familiar with his new team and car.
Vasseur addressed Hamilton’s performance calmly, pointing out that it is too early to draw conclusions from just one session. “He’s on this process, honestly, you can’t draw a conclusion after a first session,” said Vasseur. He reiterated his belief that Hamilton’s struggles are simply part of the adjustment period, and there is no rush for him to push the car to its limits so early in the weekend.
Vasseur made it clear that Friday’s practice sessions were more about Hamilton familiarizing himself with the team, systems, and processes than achieving quick lap times. The Frenchman also pointed out that there is precedent for Ferrari drivers having slow starts in practice, only to rebound during the actual race. “Last year I think that Carlos [Sainz] was P8 or P9 in free practice and he won the race,” Vasseur said, referencing Sainz’s win despite a similar start in free practice the previous year.
The Ferrari team boss emphasized that the goal for now is not about setting fast times, but rather allowing Hamilton to settle in and adjust. He explained that while Ferrari and Mercedes may use similar software systems, the ways in which they are applied and operated can vary between the two teams. Vasseur is confident that once Hamilton adjusts to these differences, he will perform at the level expected of him. “The target is for him to know everybody in the team, to discover the software, the process, the system,” he explained.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari after spending over a decade with Mercedes has been one of the biggest stories of the Formula 1 offseason. Expectations for the partnership between Ferrari and the seven-time world champion are high, with fans and pundits alike speculating about what the Brit can achieve in the iconic red car. However, both Hamilton and Vasseur have repeatedly stressed that patience is key as the 38-year-old acclimates to his new environment.
While the early signs from FP1 might have some observers concerned, Vasseur’s relaxed attitude suggests that Ferrari is taking a long-term view of the partnership with Hamilton. The team understands that adapting to a new car and team will take time, and they are willing to give Hamilton the space he needs to get comfortable.
In conclusion, Vasseur’s confidence in Hamilton remains unwavering, even after a slow start at the Australian Grand Prix. The team is focused on the bigger picture, knowing that Hamilton’s wealth of experience and skill will eventually shine through once the adjustment phase is complete. With the weekend still in its early stages, Hamilton has plenty of time to turn things around, and Ferrari remains optimistic about what lies ahead.
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