Following a challenging weekend for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur emphatically defended the driver`s performance.
In Jeddah, Hamilton finished the race in seventh place, the same position he qualified in. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, performed significantly better, securing third place and Ferrari`s first podium finish of the season.
Apart from his pole position and Sprint race victory in China (the second round of the season), Hamilton has had a very disappointing start with Ferrari since his high-profile move from Mercedes.
The 40-year-old British driver appeared disheartened after Sunday`s race, calling it `horrible` and suggesting the remainder of his season `is going to be painful`.
Responding to Hamilton`s performance and remarks, Vasseur stated: “I will support him completely. I will provide support, and we will start first thing tomorrow to find solutions and reasons, and work on them early.”
“But honestly, I`m not overly concerned,” Vasseur added. “Considering what he achieved in China, his performance in Bahrain last week`s race, or even during the initial sessions this weekend, his potential is clearly evident.”
“We simply need to refine the car`s setup, as both Lewis and the team are facing difficulties with its balance and how the tires are performing.”
“While this is a challenging moment, I believe the car`s underlying potential is strong, and we will work to resolve these issues.”
Vasseur Rejects Idea of `Dramatic` Decline in Hamilton`s Form
During his post-race briefing, Vasseur faced further questions from journalists about Hamilton`s performance and eventually responded sharply.
When asked how Hamilton`s performance had declined so `dramatically`, Vasseur retorted: “It hasn`t been dramatic. We`ve only had five races. I understand you`re looking for big headlines like `Fred said this`.”
“But that`s nonsense. Ultimately, we are in a competitive sport. There are periods of success and difficulty.”
“When things go well, we`re not suddenly world champions. When they don`t, we`re not completely lost. It`s simply the nature of competition.”
Continuing his defense, Vasseur suggested that Hamilton`s performances are being scrutinized differently compared to those of the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen.
According to the text, Vasseur pointed to Verstappen`s stated struggle to sixth place in Bahrain a week prior, before achieving pole position and finishing second to Oscar Piastri in Jeddah on Sunday.
While Verstappen is stated to be third in the drivers` standings, trailing leader Piastri by only 12 points, Hamilton is currently seventh, 68 points adrift of Piastri.
“I doubt you`d draw the same conclusion about Max last week when he was seventh. That`s just how it is. The competition is close.”
“There are 10 cars, separated by just a few tenths. Look at Max: he won in Japan, finished 30 seconds behind Piastri in Bahrain, and was P2 and on pole in Saudi Arabia.”
“We simply need to remain calm. You [journalists] can react as you please; I won`t worry on your behalf. As a team, we must focus on working step by step.”
“I`ll never be someone who claims we`re world champions one day and completely nowhere the next. We function as a team. Some weekends we face difficulties, on others we achieve good results. The key is to improve progressively and stay composed.”
Vasseur: `Not a Transitional Season for Hamilton`
A common point of discussion in the season`s early stages has been Hamilton`s comments about the difficulty of adapting to Ferrari`s car and operational procedures after spending 12 years at Mercedes.
Despite this, Vasseur maintains that he does not view 2025 as a `transitional` year for the British driver, adding that he interprets Hamilton`s frustration as a positive sign.
“It`s not a transitional period, but naturally, he`s disappointed because when you finish a race in seventh while your teammate is on the podium,” Vasseur commented.
“Honestly, I see Lewis`s disappointment as a positive thing, because it wouldn`t be normal if he were happy with this situation.”
“He`s a true racer and competitor; he strives to get the maximum from his equipment, and naturally, he`s disappointed.”
“Now we need to collaborate and respond collectively; that`s the only way we will progress.”
