Ferrari F1 boss hits back over ‘false’ Lewis Hamilton cr…. read more
Ferrari’s Formula 1 team principal, Fred Vasseur, has strongly defended Lewis Hamilton following recent criticism of the seven-time world champion’s performance. Hamilton made a high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari in the off-season, and since then, there have been mixed opinions about his ability to challenge for titles in the future. The 40-year-old has been vocal about his determination to get back into championship contention after a period of relative frustration at Mercedes, where he faced a barren spell despite his illustrious career. However, some pundits have suggested that Hamilton’s best years might be behind him, particularly after a modest start at Ferrari. Vasseur, however, firmly rejects such claims, calling them “false” and “harsh.”
In an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe, Vasseur pointed to Hamilton’s remarkable performance in his final race for Mercedes last season, where he proved his exceptional skills despite starting from 16th on the grid. In that race, Hamilton fought his way through the pack to finish fourth, overtaking his teammate in the process. This performance, according to Vasseur, is a clear indication that Hamilton is far from past his prime. “Thinking that Hamilton is worn out or out of date is harsh. And what’s more, it’s false,” Vasseur remarked, emphasizing that such criticism doesn’t reflect the reality of Hamilton’s capabilities.
Though Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was expected to usher in a new era of competitive racing, the transition has not been as smooth as anticipated. He has yet to find the form that made him one of the sport’s most dominant figures, and his results this season have been inconsistent. However, he did secure his first-ever sprint victory in China last month, providing a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately for Hamilton, his celebrations were short-lived as both he and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the race after being found in breach of FIA regulations.
As the season progresses, Hamilton’s performance has continued to come under scrutiny, with the 105-time Grand Prix winner currently sitting eighth in the drivers’ championship. He has accumulated only 15 points, far behind the leading drivers, including his teammate Leclerc, who is just five points ahead. This slow start to the season has already put pressure on both Hamilton and Leclerc to improve their performances or risk falling too far behind in the standings. Given the competitive nature of the current Formula 1 grid, Ferrari’s chances of challenging for the drivers’ championship may slip away if they don’t address their performance issues soon.
While the drivers’ championship looks increasingly out of reach for Ferrari, the team is also facing challenges in the constructors’ standings. After a promising 2024 season in which Ferrari fought McLaren all the way to the final race, hopes were high for this season. However, Ferrari is already trailing the dominant teams of Mercedes and Red Bull, who have once again set the pace in the early stages of the season. Despite Ferrari’s high expectations heading into the year, the team has found itself struggling to keep up with its rivals, especially as Red Bull continues to be a formidable force with reigning world champion Max Verstappen leading the charge.
The pressure is mounting on both Ferrari’s drivers and the team as a whole. If they don’t find a way to improve quickly, it will be difficult for them to mount a serious challenge for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. As the season progresses, it will be crucial for Ferrari to find solutions to their performance issues and for Hamilton to rediscover the form that made him one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.
Despite the challenges, Vasseur remains confident in Hamilton’s abilities and continues to defend the veteran driver against unfair criticism. He stresses that anyone who doubts Hamilton’s talent is overlooking his extraordinary performances and contributions to the sport over the years. With plenty of races still to go in the 2025 season, Hamilton’s future in Formula 1, as well as Ferrari’s prospects, will remain key storylines to follow as the season unfolds.
