Vasseur: Hamilton and I underestimated the change at Ferrari
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that both he and Lewis Hamilton underestimated the scope of the challenge the British driver would face in joining the team. The anticipation generated by Hamilton’s signing for Ferrari has not translated into immediate successes. The seven-time world champion has yet to achieve a podium finish for the team this season. During a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix, a disheartened Hamilton suggested that Ferrari “probably needs to change drivers.” He also 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 explained that Hamilton was in the same environment for 18 years, first at McLaren and then at Mercedes, with the same culture and the same team of engineers. Then he arrived at Ferrari, and they expected him to have everything under control. Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, has been on the podium five times this season. Hamilton signed a contract for 60 million pounds sterling a year, which will keep him at Ferrari until the end of 2026. The British driver, considered the best in the history of Formula 1, has indicated that his goal is next season, when a complete change in F1 cars comes into effect due to a new regulation.Lewis and I, collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment, and the fact that I spent, for me, 20 years on the same team.
Fred Vasseur
