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Ferrari’s Frederic Vasseur Discusses Hamilton’s Challenges and Team Dynamics

Frederic Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, expressed that it’s premature to designate Lewis Hamilton as a potential title contender for the 2025 Formula 1 season, especially in the wake of his recent triumph at the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, achieved this victory from pole position in March, marking only his second official race with Ferrari.

However, since that win, Hamilton has encountered difficulties on the track. His performance took a hit when he was disqualified from the grand prix in Shanghai due to a technical violation, followed by finishes of seventh in Japan and fifth in Bahrain last weekend. With these challenges in mind, Vasseur was asked about the team’s efforts to assist Hamilton in acclimating to his new environment after transferring from Mercedes in the off-season.

Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Vasseur stated, “Lewis brings a wealth of experience to the team, having spent nearly two decades in Formula 1 and having raced for various teams, especially his long tenures at McLaren and Mercedes. It’s beneficial to have someone with his background join us.” He emphasized that Ferrari’s focus is not just on Hamilton but also on providing equal support to drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who Hamilton has replaced. “We aim to optimize performance across both cars,” Vasseur remarked.

Vasseur further pointed out that the media was perhaps too quick to jump to conclusions after Hamilton’s initial success. “We need to temper expectations,” he advised. “This is a new car for us, not just an updated version of last year’s model, meaning we are still fine-tuning to achieve the right balance and set-up. Every team on the grid faces similar challenges.” He noted that small discrepancies in performance can make a significant impact, affecting race outcomes and standings.

When asked about Ferrari’s potential for success this season, Vasseur acknowledged that while the necessary components are there, the increasingly competitive landscape complicates matters. “It’s akin to cooking,” he explained. “You need to combine the right ingredients at the appropriate times. Although we haven’t fully harnessed the car’s capabilities, it’s a shared experience across the grid.”

Vasseur also commented on the heightened competitiveness, using McLaren as an example. He highlighted that even leading teams encounter difficulties, underscoring how tightly contested the races have become. “In the past, a single quick lap could guarantee advancement, but now even top-tier teams must work harder to secure their positions,” he noted, emphasizing the depth of competition within the sport.

In closing, Vasseur conveyed the team’s commitment to performance improvement. “We need to remain composed and analytical to advance,” he said. He reflected on the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities during the previous season and expressed hope for similar results in the current year.

Source
www.autosport.com