Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, asserts that Lewis Hamilton holds a significantly more optimistic outlook regarding his team at Ferrari, notwithstanding numerous unfavorable public statements made by him throughout the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The seven-time global racing titleholder endured what many considered his most challenging season to date, marking the inaugural time in his Formula 1 journey that he did not achieve a podium finish, ultimately securing sixth place in the standings and trailing his colleague Charles Leclerc by 86 points.
This inaugural year at Ferrari did not align with Hamilton’s aspirations, and true to his candid nature, he frequently conveyed his dissatisfaction publicly via media channels.
His brief 32-second interviews on Sky Sports and terse, single-word responses during press gatherings suggested the 40-year-old’s disinclination to participate, yet Vasseur considers this demeanor a mere facade.
In contrast, Hamilton is reportedly highly inspiring when working privately with the team, a dynamic the team principal favors, particularly as Ferrari aims to secure its initial championship triumph since their 2008 constructors’ victory.
Vasseur remarked, “Should a driver be eliminated in Q1, I expect them to be immensely displeased with both themselves and the team,” alluding to the period when Hamilton made history as the first dedicated Ferrari competitor to experience three successive Q1 eliminations, stretching from Las Vegas to Abu Dhabi.
He added, “I doubt any journalist would prefer a driver to appear on television and declare, ‘nothing is amiss, everything is fine, etc.’ – all the typical nonsense.”
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Photo by: Bryn Lennon / Formula 1 via Getty Images
“I completely understand and respect a driver’s stance when they exhibit such an attitude,” Vasseur stated. “What matters most to me, however, is fostering a collaborative spirit within the team.”
He elaborated, “It is far more beneficial to have an individual who refrains from extensive media interaction but instead returns to the debrief session, engages with engineers, and seeks resolutions. This was precisely the approach Lewis adopted, even during challenging periods late in the season, and it infused the team with beneficial momentum.”
“Frankly, it’s the same scenario I encounter with all of you,” he continued. “When I’m heading to the pitwall after a difficult event and am bombarded with numerous inquiries, there are times I simply prefer not to dedicate excessive time to answering them.”
Vasseur displayed considerable empathy for Hamilton’s circumstances, acknowledging the monumental transition he underwent after concluding 12 highly successful seasons with Mercedes prior to joining Ferrari.
“Lewis faced considerable challenges,” remarked the 57-year-old, whose squad declined from second to fourth place in the championship following an overall subpar performance year for Ferrari.
“I admit I underestimated the magnitude of this change,” he explained. “It’s not a matter of us performing better or worse, but simply operating in distinct ways. This extends beyond merely cuisine or climate; every piece of software, every individual component, and even the personnel surrounding him, were entirely new.”
