Vasseur Admits Underestimation in Hamilton’s Adaptation to Ferrari
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has revealed that both he and Lewis Hamilton underestimated the challenge the driver’s transition to the Italian team would entail. Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari generated high expectations, but so far, the seven-time world champion has not managed to get on the podium with the team. After a complicated Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed his frustration by suggesting that Ferrari “probably needs to change drivers”. In addition, the pilot added that “there are many things happening in the background… That’s not good”. Vasseur, who was key to signing Hamilton from Mercedes, has defended his driver’s performance.
Ferrari’s boss explained that Hamilton spent a long time in a similar environment, first at McLaren and then at Mercedes, sharing personnel and culture. Vasseur added: “So he was from 2006 to 2024, 18 years, in this environment, and then he arrived at Ferrari. And stupidly we expected him to have everything under control.” Meanwhile, his teammate, Charles Leclerc, has managed to get on the podium five times this season. Hamilton signed a contract for 60 million pounds sterling a year, valid until the end of 2026. The British driver, considered one of the greatest in Formula 1 history, has stated that his main objective is next season, when new rules that will change the F1 cars are implemented.“Lewis and I, collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment and the fact that he spent, for me, 20 years on the same team,” said Vasseur.
Fred Vasseur
