Just In: Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur Downplays Concerns Over Lewis Hamilton’s…read more
Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur Downplays Concerns Over Lewis Hamilton’s…read more
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has dismissed concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s recent struggles, expressing optimism about the seven-time world champion’s capabilities as Hamilton’s tenure with Mercedes nears its conclusion. Vasseur highlighted Hamilton’s remarkable performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as evidence of his enduring talent.
Hamilton, who is wrapping up a 13-year career with Mercedes, has faced a challenging final stretch. Over the past nine Grands Prix, the Brit has secured just one podium finish—an impressive recovery drive in Las Vegas where he climbed from 10th on the grid to finish fourth, closely behind teammate George Russell. However, five of those races saw him finish eighth or lower, raising questions about his form.
Central to Hamilton’s struggles has been his qualifying performance. While his race pace remains strong, the inability to extract maximum lap times from the W15 in qualifying has frequently left him starting from compromised grid positions. This has limited his ability to consistently fight for podium finishes, especially as teammate Russell has often managed better results in qualifying sessions.
Despite this downturn in results, Vasseur sees no reason to question Hamilton’s skill or potential. “Absolutely not,” Vasseur stated when asked if Hamilton’s abilities were in decline. “Look at what he did in Vegas. Starting from P10 and finishing just behind Russell—there’s no cause for concern.”
As Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, the Italian team’s management, led by Vasseur, is expected to work on restoring his confidence, particularly in qualifying. A return to strong one-lap pace will be critical for Hamilton to mount consistent challenges at the front of the grid.
Vasseur’s confidence in Hamilton reflects the Brit’s resilience and adaptability, traits that have defined his illustrious career. The partnership between Ferrari and Hamilton is seen as a potential turning point for both, with Ferrari looking to capitalize on Hamilton’s experience and racing acumen while providing him with the tools to reclaim his dominant form.
While some fans and analysts speculate on the possible decline of Hamilton’s powers, Vasseur’s faith in the former champion suggests that the upcoming Ferrari chapter may reignite his competitive fire, making the 2025 season one to watch closely.