With five rounds already over in the 2025 Formula 1 season, Ferrari’s pace put the team in 4th in the Championship standings. Team Principal Fred Vasseur shared his perspective in regards to the comments that Ferrari’s new addition, Lewis Hamilton, made after the Saudi Arabian GP. The 7-time world champion seemed to struggle with the car, and his disappointment was palpable during his post-race interviews.
Vasseur acknowledged Lewis Hamilton’s dismay
After hearing about Hamilton’s dissatisfaction with the car, Vasseur was questioned on whether he would provide the British driver the necessary support on their side. The team principal talked about his relentless assistance and understanding concerning the statements made by Lewis Hamilton:
“I will be 2000% behind him and I will be mega supportive, and we will start from tomorrow morning to try to find solutions and to work on him.
“Honestly, I am not too worried. If you have a look at what he did in China or what he did in the race in Bahrain last week or even in the first part of the second stint this weekend, the potential is there for sure.”
The struggle Scuderia Ferrari faced during the last race came from the lack of balance. Hamilton’s “negative spiral” definitely proved that. However, Vasseur explained that the Saudi Arabian GP issues might not be telling of the team’s overall potential:
“We just have to adjust the balance because we are, collectively, Lewis and us, we are studying the balance of his car and he is overheating the tyres and it’s a kind of negative spot.
“But I think the potential of the car is there and we will try to solve that.“
Expectations for Hamilton’s first season
As questions arise about the nature of Lewis Hamilton’s debut at Ferrari, Vasseur shuts down any assumptions. While next year will welcome the next regulations, Hamilton’s 2025 season is not “transitional”. The Team Principal proudly remarks on the British driver’s Sprint race win in China:
“I don’t know if it was you, but in China, you said that it was on the top of this and so that we have to stay calm. In China, it was the second race of the season for us. He was able to do the pole position, to lead the race from lap 1 to lap 18, to finish 10 seconds in front of Piastri and Verstappen.
“It’s not a transitional season.”
Moreover, Fred Vasseur shared his thoughts on Hamilton’s obvious disappointment following both the Saudi Arabian GP as well as the whole season. He reflected on the different way in which he views the 7-time world champion’s frustrations:
“For sure, he is down because when you finish the race in 7th and your teammate is on the podium. Honestly, I take it as positive that Lewis is down because if he was happy with this, it wouldn’t be normal.”
Adding to his previous statement, Vasseur shed light on the exact outlook Lewis Hamilton has in regards to his expectations:
“He is a racer, he is a competitor, he wants to get the best from what he has, and I am sure that he is disappointed.”
Good hopes for the rest of 2025
Even after Hamilton mentioned the Saudi Arabian GP had “zero positives”, Vasseur assured everyone of a possible turnaround. The Scuderia Ferrari team will be working together with the British driver to ensure better results and satisfaction:
“Hopefully, I would say that now we have to work together to react together, and it will be the only way to move forward.”
