Lewis Hamilton dismissed reports about Frederic Vasseur`s future at Ferrari as `nonsense`, offering a strong defense of the team principal and stating he is `the person to take us to the top`.
Ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, Italian media outlets have published speculation regarding Vasseur`s long-term position at Ferrari, following the team`s somewhat disappointing performance this season.
Vasseur is in his third year leading the iconic F1 team. This is his first season with the seven-time champion Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in a major move from Mercedes, reuniting them after their successful collaboration in junior racing categories twenty years ago.
When asked about the speculation coming from Italy, Hamilton responded, “I just heard about it before arriving here, so I haven`t actually read the articles. It`s definitely not nice to hear that there are stories like that out there.”
He added, “First of all, I really enjoy working with Fred. He was the primary reason I joined this team and got this amazing opportunity, for which I am incredibly thankful. We are united in this endeavor.”
“We are working diligently behind the scenes,” Hamilton continued. “Things are not perfect, but my commitment is to work alongside the team and specifically with Fred. I want him to stay here.”
“I genuinely believe Fred is the right leader to guide us to victory,” he asserted. “So, that`s my view. Frankly, what people have written is just nonsense.”
Hamilton Dismisses Rumors About His Own Future
Following a strong finish to the previous season where Charles Leclerc was the top scorer after the summer break and Ferrari finished closely behind constructors` champions McLaren (by just 14 points), the team had aimed to compete for world championships this year.
While they climbed to second in the team standings for the first time this year after the recent Spanish race, they trail McLaren by a significant 197 points after nine rounds. Leclerc and Hamilton are also considerably behind in the Drivers` Championship.
Recent races have shown glimmers of progress, with Leclerc achieving podium finishes in the last two events, but overall performance has distinctly not met the expectations set before the season began.
Commenting on the ongoing efforts to improve the team`s situation, Hamilton stated, “Most people are unaware of what happens behind the scenes, and it`s certainly not straightforward.”
“It`s not always smooth sailing behind closed doors. We need to implement changes, and there`s a significant amount of work required, accompanied by natural pressure because our goal is to win.”
“However,” he emphasized, “[Vasseur`s position] is absolutely not a topic of discussion right now.”
Later, addressing the same topic, Hamilton made it clear he would “certainly not be supportive” of Vasseur leaving, adding, “I am here to win alongside Fred. He has my complete support.”
The British driver then shifted focus from Vasseur`s future to address widespread rumors about his own position, given his challenging start at Ferrari on the track.
“And also, to everyone writing stories suggesting I might not race anymore,” Hamilton, who signed a multi-year contract with the team, added, “I have literally just begun my time here at Ferrari.”
“I am committed for several years, and I am here for the long term.”
“There is absolutely no doubt about my focus and what I am striving to achieve with this team. Zero doubts. Please stop inventing things.”
Leclerc Also Dismisses Rumors
Italian media also published reports suggesting Charles Leclerc was contemplating his future at Ferrari due to the team`s performance issues. Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019 and signed a long-term contract in 2024 covering `several seasons`, also dismissed the rumors upon arriving in Montreal.
He stated, “I am very surprised. I have no idea where that speculation originated. I prefer to simply ignore it. But I haven`t said anything remotely like that in the last three races. If anything, I`ve consistently expressed how much I love this team and my desire to bring Ferrari back to the front, which is why I was surprised.”
Leclerc acknowledged understanding the nature of rumors surrounding Ferrari but believes the team itself is not affected by them.
“We share a common vision among the three of us – Fred, Lewis, and myself – which is to return to winning,” he explained. “We have been working collectively to make that happen. That is our plan, and we will stick to it.”
“We are absolutely not satisfied with our current situation,” he admitted, “but we simply need to discover that exceptional element that McLaren has found.”
“Experiencing pressure is normal when you work for Ferrari,” Leclerc commented. “Being second is never sufficient, and we are all well aware of that. So, the external pressure doesn`t really add to the pressure we already place on ourselves.”
“Currently, McLaren is the stronger team, and it is our responsibility to respond,” he concluded. “We need to disregard everything that is said around the team, but I believe that`s something I have become accustomed to.”
