Following a challenging weekend for Lewis Hamilton at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur strongly defended the seven-time world champion`s performance, reportedly using forceful language in the process.
Hamilton qualified and finished the race in seventh place at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, significantly outperformed him, securing third place and Ferrari`s first podium finish of the season.
Aside from taking pole position and winning the Sprint race earlier in the season in China, Hamilton has faced a notably difficult start to his career with Ferrari since his highly anticipated move from Mercedes.
The 40-year-old British driver appeared downcast after the Sunday race, describing his experience as `horrible` and suggesting that the remainder of his season could be `painful`.
Responding to Hamilton`s performance and remarks, Vasseur expressed unwavering support: “I will be 2000 per cent behind him. I will give him support and we will start from tomorrow morning to try to find solutions and reasons and to work on it early in the morning.”
“But honestly, I am not too worried,” Vasseur continued. “If you look at what he achieved in China or during the race in Bahrain last week, or even the initial sessions this weekend, the potential is clearly there.”
Vasseur explained the team`s current focus: “We just need to adjust the balance because we, collectively – Lewis and the team – are struggling with the balance of his car and how he is managing the tires.”
“It`s a kind of negative aspect, but I believe the car`s potential exists, and we will work to resolve this,” he added.
Vasseur Dismisses Notion of `Dramatic` Hamilton Form Drop
When questioned further by journalists about a perceived “dramatic” decline in Hamilton`s form, Vasseur reacted assertively.
“It`s not dramatic. We`ve completed five races so far,” Vasseur stated. “I understand you`re looking for sensational headlines tomorrow, but this is f***ing bullshit. Ultimately, we are in a competition. There are ups and downs.”
“When we are performing well, it doesn`t mean we are suddenly world champions. When we are struggling, it doesn`t mean we are completely lost. It`s simply the nature of competition,” he emphasized.
Vasseur continued his defense by suggesting that Hamilton`s performances are perhaps being scrutinized more intensely than those of other drivers, including the reigning world champion.
“I`m not sure you would draw the same conclusion about Max [Verstappen] last week when he finished seventh,” Vasseur commented. “That`s just how it is. The competition is very close.” He reiterated the importance of remaining calm and focusing on incremental improvements.
“I will never be the person who declares us world champions or completely defeated,” Vasseur stated firmly. “We are a team. Some weekends are challenging, some bring good results. We simply need to improve consistently, step by step, and maintain our composure.”
`Not a Transitional Season for Hamilton`
Hamilton has repeatedly mentioned the challenges of adapting to Ferrari`s car and systems after spending 12 years with Mercedes. However, Vasseur firmly believes that 2025 is not merely a “transitional” year for the British driver and sees Hamilton`s visible frustration as a positive sign.
“It`s not a transitional period, but of course, he`s disappointed when he finishes a race in sixth (or seventh in this case) and his teammate is on the podium,” Vasseur clarified.
“Honestly, I view Lewis being down as a positive. If he were content with this performance, that wouldn`t be normal,” Vasseur concluded. “He is a racer, a competitor; he wants to extract the maximum possible, and naturally, he is disappointed. Now, we must work together to respond effectively, as this is the only path forward.”
