Hamilton and Ferrari: Vasseur admits to underestimating the driver change

Vasseur Admits Underestimation of Change for Hamilton at Ferrari

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that both he and Lewis Hamilton underestimated the scope of the challenge involved in the British driver’s arrival at the team. The expectation generated by Hamilton’s signing for Ferrari has not translated into immediate success, as the seven-time world champion has yet to reach the podium with the team. During a complicated Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton suggested that Ferrari “probably needs to change drivers.” Furthermore, he added that “there are many things going on in the background… That’s not good.” Vasseur, who was key in hiring Hamilton from Mercedes, has defended his driver’s performance.

Vasseur highlighted the magnitude of the change Hamilton was facing.

Lewis and I, collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment, and the fact that he spent, for me, 20 years on the same team.

Fred Vasseur

Vasseur explained that Hamilton spent many years in a similar environment, first at McLaren and then at Mercedes, which facilitated the adaptation. However, arriving at Ferrari represented a significant change.

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Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, has been on the podium five times this season. Hamilton signed a contract worth 60 million pounds sterling a year, which ties him to the team until the end of 2026. The British driver, considered the best in the history of Formula 1, has stated that his goal is next season, when new rules that will change the F1 cars will come into effect.