Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur Backs Lewis Hamilton Amid Performance Questions in F1 2025 Season
Frédéric Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, has publicly defended Lewis Hamilton following criticism regarding the British driver’s performance in the early stages of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Vasseur believes that concerns regarding Hamilton’s performance are misplaced and that any shortcomings can largely be attributed to the team’s overall performance rather than the driver himself.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has had a challenging start to the 2025 season. In the opening races held in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, he finished in fifth and seventh places respectively. However, his performance during the Sprint races has been commendable. Hamilton secured a victory in China and clinched a podium finish with a third place in the Miami Sprint event. These results highlight his capability to excel even in challenging situations.
During an interview with journalists in Miami, Vasseur provided insights into Hamilton’s performance. He pointed out that Hamilton had shown competitive pace at the beginning of the Bahrain weekend, matching the speed of Charles Leclerc. However, a minor mistake—a track limits infringement during the first lap of Q3—hindered Hamilton’s qualifying session, forcing him to start from behind in the race. Vasseur emphasized the significance of precision in today’s tightly contested grid, stating, "Currently, a small mistake can compromise the entire weekend because the grid is extremely tight."
Ferrari ended the 2024 season on a positive note but has faced difficulties as they entered 2025. After six races, the team has amassed only 94 points, placing them significantly behind the current leader, McLaren, which has accumulated 246 points. Acknowledging this gap, Vasseur stressed the need for improvement in order to re-enter the battle for race victories.
He further elaborated on the challenges faced by drivers in this competitive environment, citing Lando Norris’s experience in Bahrain as an example. Vasseur noted that a single error made by Norris in turn 1 resulted in a loss of four or five tenths in the first sector, making it increasingly difficult to complete a successful lap. He highlighted how critical it is to remain within the optimal performance window, stating, "McLaren has been doing a fantastic job throughout all the weekends, but if we step slightly outside the ideal window, everything becomes much more challenging."
Since taking the reins of Scuderia Ferrari in 2023, Vasseur has consistently emphasized the importance of evolution and adaptation, both for the current season and looking ahead to 2026. He remains optimistic about Hamilton’s potential and the team’s ability to improve their standing in the championship.
The 2025 Formula 1 season has thus far proven to be a test for Ferrari and its drivers, with the competitive nature of the grid making every point count. With Vasseur at the helm, the team aims to harness their resources effectively to enhance their performance, ensuring they can compete at the highest level once again. The focus will be on refining their strategies and car performance, which is crucial in a sport where fractions of seconds determine success.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain on Hamilton, who has demonstrated resilience and skill throughout his career. Vasseur’s defense underscores the belief that with the right adjustments and continued effort from the team, Hamilton can return to his winning ways. The challenges faced this season are not uncommon in the world of Formula 1, where teams must constantly innovate and adapt to maintain their competitive edge.
In conclusion, the relationship between a driver and their team is vital in Formula 1, and Vasseur’s comments reflect a commitment to supporting Hamilton as they navigate the complexities of the season. With the right focus on development and performance improvement, Ferrari aims to close the gap to their competitors and reclaim their position as a frontrunner in the championship. As the races unfold, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team evolves and how Hamilton performs under pressure.
