Ferrari Team Principal Urges Patience as Hamilton Adjusts to… Read more
Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has urged fans and critics to remain patient as Lewis Hamilton works through the early challenges of his debut season with the iconic Italian team. Despite a promising sprint race victory in China—Hamilton’s first win since joining Ferrari—his overall form has been uneven, often trailing behind his teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari brought an end to a 12-year stint with Mercedes, where he earned six of his seven Formula 1 world championships. However, adjusting to Ferrari’s car and operations has proven to be a significant challenge. While the Shanghai sprint victory offered a glimpse of potential, his performance in full-length races has lacked consistency, raising questions about his comfort level in the new setup.
Responding to the growing scrutiny, Vasseur emphasized that it’s normal for drivers to need time to adapt—regardless of their experience or accolades. Speaking with RacingNews365, he stressed the importance of patience and support as Hamilton becomes more familiar with his new environment.
“It’s the same for any driver—Lewis, Charles, or even Carlos last season,” said Vasseur. “Our job is to provide the best tools and car balance to help them perform. Development is ongoing on both sides of the garage, and we’re working hard to refine the car.”
Vasseur acknowledged that Hamilton is still learning Ferrari’s operational style and the characteristics of the 2025 car, which has diverged significantly from previous models. He noted that the entire team is still grappling with the car’s setup, making it difficult for even seasoned drivers to immediately find their rhythm.
He also explained how small differences in car behavior can dramatically impact a driver’s confidence. “Being a tenth of a second off might sound small, but it changes how the car feels,” he said. “That can be the difference between feeling in control and being unsure.”
Despite the rough start, Vasseur insisted that team morale remains high. He praised the working relationship between Hamilton and Leclerc, stating that both drivers are collaborating closely, providing valuable feedback, and helping steer development in a unified direction.
“The important thing is that we’re functioning well as a team,” Vasseur said. “The atmosphere is strong
