Vasseur Admits They Underestimated Hamilton’s Challenge at Ferrari
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that both he and Lewis Hamilton “stupidly” underestimated the magnitude of the challenge the British driver would face when joining the team. The expectation generated by Hamilton’s signing for Ferrari has not translated into results so far this season, as the seven-time world champion has yet to reach the podium with the Italian team. During a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix, a disheartened Hamilton suggested that Ferrari “probably needs to change drivers”. Furthermore, he added that “there is a lot going on in the background… That is not good”. Vasseur, who was key in his signing from Mercedes, has defended his driver’s performance.
The teammate, Charles Leclerc, has managed to get on the podium five times this season. Hamilton signed a contract worth 60 million pounds sterling ($81 million) per year, which will keep him on the team until the end of 2026. The English driver, statistically the best in Formula 1 history, stated from the beginning that his goal is next season, when a complete change in F1 cars will come into effect thanks to a new set of rules, to fight for the championship.Lewis and I, collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment and the fact that I spent, for me, 20 years on the same team,” Vasseur commented.
Fred Vasseur
