Vasseur Admits Underestimation in Hamilton’s Adaptation to Ferrari
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has acknowledged that both he and Lewis Hamilton “stupidly” underestimated the magnitude of the challenge the driver would face when joining the team. The expectation generated by Hamilton’s signing for Ferrari has not materialized this year, as the seven-time world champion has yet to reach the podium with the team. During a difficult Hungarian Grand Prix, a disheartened Hamilton insinuated that Ferrari “probably needs to change drivers”. He also added that “there are many things happening in the background… That’s not good.” Vasseur, who was fundamental in his signing from Mercedes, has defended his driver’s performance.
Ferrari’s boss explained that Hamilton spent a long time in a similar environment at McLaren and Mercedes, with the same culture and personnel. Now, upon arriving at Ferrari, expectations were high. Teammate Charles Leclerc has been on the podium five times this season. Hamilton signed a contract worth £60 million a year, which keeps him on the team until the end of 2026. The English driver, statistically the best in the history of Formula 1, said from the beginning that he was looking at the next season, when a complete change of F1 cars will come into effect thanks to a new set of rules, for his challenge for the championship.Lewis and I, collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment and the fact that he spent, for me, 20 years on the same team,” Vasseur declared.
Fred Vasseur
