The Formula 1 world is reeling after Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur unleashed a fiery defense of Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time champion’s lackluster performance at the 2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Hamilton, who finished a disappointing seventh, was visibly despondent, describing his race as “horrible” and admitting he felt uncomfortable in the Ferrari SF-25 for every second of the Jeddah street circuit. The Briton’s struggles, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc by a staggering 31 seconds, sparked intense scrutiny, with some questioning whether the F1 legend’s form has plummeted. But Vasseur’s explosive response to these claims has set the paddock ablaze.
When pressed about Hamilton’s “dramatic” dip in performance, Vasseur didn’t hold back, dismissing the criticism as “f****** b******t.” He argued that the narrative of Hamilton’s decline is overblown, pointing out that the 2025 season is only five races deep. “We did five races so far. I know you want big headlines, but this is nonsense,” Vasseur snapped, highlighting Hamilton’s pole position and P2 finish in Saudi Arabia’s earlier sessions. He emphasized that the team, not just Hamilton, is grappling with the SF-25’s balance, particularly on a track as unforgiving as Jeddah. Vasseur’s X-rated rant underscores his unwavering support, declaring he’s “2,000 per cent” behind Hamilton as they work to resolve the car’s issues.
Hamilton’s own words painted a grim picture. “I just lacked grip, I lacked good balance,” he said, admitting he has “no explanation” for his pace deficit. His frustration was palpable, with a 30-second post-race interview revealing a man at odds with his new machinery. He even warned that the rest of 2025 could be “painful” if Ferrari can’t address the SF-25’s shortcomings. This stark contrast to Leclerc’s podium finish in the same car has fueled speculation about Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari after his high-profile move from Mercedes.
Vasseur, however, sees Hamilton’s frustration as a positive. “It’s good that Lewis is down because it shows he cares,” he said, rejecting the idea of 2025 being a “transitional” year for the driver. Instead, he insists the focus is on fine-tuning the car’s balance to suit Hamilton’s driving style. The telemetry data, which exposed critical setup issues in Saudi Arabia, is now Ferrari’s roadmap to unlocking Hamilton’s potential.
As McLaren’s Oscar Piastri celebrated his third win of the season in Jeddah, and Max Verstappen fumed over a controversial penalty, Hamilton’s woes were a stark reminder of the challenges facing Ferrari’s new star. With Vasseur’s fierce loyalty and Hamilton’s relentless drive, the Scuderia is doubling down on finding solutions. The question now is whether Ferrari can turn things around before the season slips away—or if Hamilton’s “painful” prediction will define his 2025 campaign. The F1 world is watching, and the drama is only just beginning.
