Fred Vasseur Defends Lewis Hamilton Amidst Struggles in F1 2025 Season

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has emphatically expressed his unwavering support for Lewis Hamilton, despite the seven-time World Champion’s difficult start to the F1 2025 season. In a candid interview, Vasseur declared that he remains “2,000 per cent behind” Hamilton, brushing off critics who suggest that the British driver’s form has dramatically declined.

Hamilton, who made the highly anticipated switch from Mercedes to Ferrari at the end of 2024, has faced a series of challenges in his first season with the Italian team. After a hopeful start with a victory in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race, Hamilton’s momentum quickly came to a halt. The disqualification from the main race in China and subsequent struggles in the opening rounds of the season have left him feeling frustrated. He has failed to finish higher than fifth in the first five races, with his best result being a distant seventh in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a full 30.969 seconds behind his teammate Charles Leclerc.

The 40-year-old has been open about the struggles he has faced adapting to the SF-25 Ferrari car, admitting that he needs “a brain transplant” to better sync with the car’s handling. Despite his discontent, Hamilton has remained committed to pushing through the season, acknowledging the disappointment felt by his fans, the team, and himself.

However, Vasseur, who has a long history with Hamilton dating back to their time together in GP2, has leapt to the defense of his driver. The Frenchman rejected any suggestions that Hamilton’s performance had significantly dropped, dismissing such claims as “fing bullt.” According to Vasseur, the competition in Formula 1 is inherently challenging, and there are inevitable ups and downs throughout the season. He pointed to other drivers like Max Verstappen, who, despite finishing seventh in Bahrain, remains a formidable contender and has had his fair share of struggles.

Vasseur’s support for Hamilton goes beyond mere words; he is actively working with the driver and the team to improve their performance. He acknowledged that Hamilton has shown flashes of potential, particularly in races in China and Bahrain, and believes the car’s performance can be optimized further with adjustments to balance and tire management. “The potential is there,” Vasseur stated, stressing that the team must continue to work together to address the current issues. He also emphasized that their approach should remain calm and step-by-step, just as it had been during their successful run last year.

Addressing Hamilton’s struggles, Vasseur highlighted the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset. He shared that Hamilton’s disappointment is actually a positive sign, as it demonstrates his commitment to excellence. “If he was happy with this, it wouldn’t be normal,” Vasseur said. The team principal underscored the need for a collective effort to improve, noting that Hamilton’s desire to give his best is a key motivator in their ongoing work.

Hamilton, for his part, has been vocal about the challenges of transitioning to Ferrari after spending 12 seasons with Mercedes, his first and only team before the switch. While many speculated that the 2025 season could be a “transitional” year for Hamilton, Vasseur dismissed this notion. He argued that Hamilton is fully focused on adapting to his new team and car, and the struggles are merely part of the process.

As Hamilton continues to grapple with his performance, he remains deeply involved in the development process, with plans to visit Ferrari’s Maranello factory ahead of the upcoming Miami Grand Prix on May 4. He has also canceled personal plans to dedicate more time to finding solutions to his issues with the car. Leclerc, who has shown strong form with a podium finish in Saudi Arabia, will join Hamilton at the factory to help Ferrari kickstart their season.

Vasseur’s steadfast support and Hamilton’s commitment to overcoming these challenges highlight the competitive spirit of both the driver and the team. With the season still in its early stages, it is clear that Ferrari remains focused on improving and delivering the performance Hamilton is known for. As they continue to work through the hurdles of the 2025 season, both Vasseur and Hamilton are determined to unlock the full potential of the SF-25 car and return to the front of the grid.

Ferrari fans and Formula 1 enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as the season progresses. With the combined efforts of Hamilton, Vasseur, and the Ferrari team, the road to recovery may be difficult, but it is certainly not impossible. The key to success lies in their unwavering belief in each other and their collective commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance on the racetrack.