Lewis Hamilton Issued New Team Orders by Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated arrival at Ferrari has already begun to generate headlines, with team principal Fred Vasseur wasting no time in issuing his first set of instructions to the seven-time world champion. In a lighthearted moment captured in a recent social media release from the Scuderia, Vasseur was seen directing Hamilton and his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, during their official Ferrari photoshoot. The exchange, while playful in nature, highlighted the growing dynamic between Hamilton and his new boss as the British driver embarks on this new chapter in his career.
Hamilton may be stepping into unfamiliar territory in Maranello, but there is some history between him and Vasseur. Before rising through the ranks to lead teams like Renault and Sauber/Alfa Romeo, Vasseur played a crucial role in Hamilton’s early career. As the head of ART Grand Prix, Vasseur guided Hamilton to his GP2 title victory in 2006, a success that paved the way for the Briton’s Formula 1 debut the following year. This prior relationship is seen as one of the key factors behind Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari, with Vasseur later revealing that he had engaged in regular conversations with the Mercedes driver throughout the 2023 season before ultimately securing his signature for 2025.
Officially unveiled as a Ferrari driver in January, Hamilton’s first days with the team have been closely documented through curated social media content, giving fans a glimpse into his transition to the iconic Italian outfit. The latest footage showcased behind-the-scenes moments from his first photoshoot in Ferrari red, capturing both the excitement and adjustment period that comes with such a monumental career shift.
During the shoot, Vasseur took it upon himself to take control of the production, offering guidance on how Hamilton and Leclerc should present themselves. Apparently dissatisfied with their serious expressions, he jokingly ordered them to “smile a bit more,” clearly relishing the opportunity to call the shots from behind the camera. Hamilton, always quick with a response, humorously pushed back, teasing Vasseur by saying, “Thank god you’re not the photographer!” Leclerc joined in on the banter, making it evident that the team is already fostering a relaxed and friendly atmosphere ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive season.
Despite the lighthearted nature of the exchange, the interaction symbolized the early days of Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari, a team renowned for its deep-rooted traditions and intense internal dynamics. While Vasseur’s leadership style is markedly different from what Hamilton experienced at Mercedes under Toto Wolff, the familiarity between the two could serve as an advantage as Ferrari looks to reclaim championship glory. However, questions remain about how Hamilton will navigate his role alongside Leclerc, who has long been considered Ferrari’s golden boy. With the Monegasque driver deeply ingrained in the team’s culture, Hamilton will need to quickly assert himself to avoid being overshadowed in the pecking order.
As Hamilton adapts to his new surroundings, his presence at Ferrari has already sent shockwaves through the sport, with fans eager to see whether he can deliver the team its first drivers’ championship since Kimi Räikkönen’s triumph in 2007. While the social media interactions paint a picture of camaraderie, the real test will come when the 2025 season gets underway, where Hamilton’s legendary racecraft and determination will be put to the ultimate test in Ferrari red
