Ferrari’s Vasseur Voices Support for Hamilton Amidst Challenges

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has expressed his support for Lewis Hamilton, acknowledging that both he and the seven-time world champion underestimated the extent of the adaptation required when Hamilton joined the team, according to international reports.

Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari this season has been challenging, as he is yet to achieve a podium finish for the team.

In contrast, his teammate, Charles Leclerc, has secured five podium finishes this season.

Following a trying Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton voiced his disappointment, describing himself as ‘useless’ and suggesting to his Ferrari team that ‘they probably need to change driver.’

He also alluded to underlying issues, stating, “there’s a lot going on in the background … That’s not great.”

Vasseur, who was instrumental in recruiting Hamilton from Mercedes, has affirmed his confidence in the driver’s capabilities.

Vasseur commented that he and Hamilton had initially underestimated the complexities of the environment shift for Hamilton.

“Lewis and I, we collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment, and the fact that he spent, for me, 20 years in the same team,” Vasseur stated.

“McLaren was Mercedes, and then he moved to Mercedes: an English team [a German company which operates out of England], same engine guys, that same culture and so on.

“So he spent 2006 to 2024, 18 years, in this environment, and then he arrived at Ferrari. And we were stupidly expecting that he will have everything under control.”

Hamilton is under contract with Ferrari until the end of 2026, in a deal reportedly worth £60 million ($81m) per year.