Ferrari team principal Urges Patience as Hamilton Adapts to New…. read more
Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur has called for calm amid increasing scrutiny over Lewis Hamilton’s challenging start with the Italian team. While Hamilton secured a sprint race victory in China—his first win since joining Ferrari—his overall performance has been inconsistent, and he has frequently been outpaced by teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marked the end of a 12-year tenure with Mercedes, where he won six of his seven world titles. However, his transition has not been seamless. Since joining the Scuderia, Hamilton has struggled to find rhythm with the new car and environment. Despite the sprint win in Shanghai, concerns have mounted due to his lack of competitiveness in full-length races and his apparent discomfort behind the wheel.
In response to growing concerns, Vasseur stressed that a period of adjustment is natural and that expectations need to be managed. Speaking to RacingNews365, he emphasized the importance of giving drivers, regardless of their experience, the time and support needed to adapt to new surroundings and machinery.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Lewis, Charles, or even Carlos last year,” Vasseur explained. “We’re always trying to do the best for our drivers, ensuring they have the car balance and setup they need. We’re pushing development equally on both sides of the garage.”
Vasseur acknowledged that Hamilton is still learning the intricacies of Ferrari’s operations and the 2025 car, which represents a significant departure from last year’s model. He noted that the team is still refining the car’s setup and balance, which has presented challenges not only for Hamilton but for the entire team.
The Ferrari boss also highlighted how minor changes can drastically affect a driver’s feeling in the car. “Sometimes, being just a tenth of a second off can make the car feel completely different,” he said. This margin of performance can be the difference between confidence and uncertainty behind the wheel.
Despite the early-season setbacks, Vasseur maintained that morale within the team remains strong. He praised the unity and collaboration between Hamilton and Leclerc, noting that both are providing valuable feedback and pushing in the same direction to improve the car.
“We need to remain focused on what’s ahead. The good news is that we’re operating as a cohesive team,” Vasseur said. “The atmosphere is positive, and both drivers are aligned in their efforts to move us forward.”
Vasseur’s message is clear: while Hamilton’s start has been less than ideal, the team remains optimistic. With a strong internal culture and both drivers committed to progress, Ferrari is confident that better results will follow as Hamilton becomes more comfortable and the car’s potential is unlocked.
