BREAKING: Ferrari Team Boss Responds to Hamilton Scrutiny: “We Need to…read more
Ferrari Boss on Hamilton Criticism: “We’re Focused on the Bigger Picture”
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has addressed questions about Lewis Hamilton’s performance in his debut season with the team, defending the seven-time world champion amid a tough start to 2025.
With Ferrari struggling to match McLaren’s pace early on, Vasseur was asked whether he expected more from Hamilton. He responded by stressing that the team is working equally hard to support both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, noting that the car is still being developed and fine-tuned.
“It’s not just about one driver,” Vasseur said during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. “We’re all trying to find the right balance in the car. This is a new project, and every team faces challenges like this.”
Hamilton’s Experience a Major Asset
Although results have been mixed Leclerc finished fourth in Friday’s FP2, while Hamilton was 13th Vasseur underlined the value Hamilton brings with his extensive experience.
“Lewis has spent 20 years in F1, and he brings a fresh perspective,” Vasseur said. “He’s added real value to the team and to Charles. They’re learning from each other, and that’s a big positive.”
No Panic at Ferrari
Vasseur highlighted how tight the field is this season, with tiny margins separating the top teams. He pointed out that even a small mistake can cost several grid positions, making it critical to avoid overreacting.
“The tools are there,” he said. “It’s about putting them together at the right time. We haven’t shown the car’s full potential yet, but that’s true for a lot of teams.”
Ultimately, Vasseur urged patience, saying the team is focused on long-term progress rather than quick judgments.
“Five hundredths of a second isn’t a crisis,” he concluded. “We’re focused on performance, staying calm, and building steadily race by race.”
