Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari has reignited an old partnership with Frederic Vasseur, nearly two decades after their GP2 triumph together. Back in 2006, Fred Vasseur oversaw Lewis Hamilton’s rise at ART Grand Prix before the British driver made his sensational leap to Formula 1 with McLaren. Now, in 2025, the duo is aiming to recreate that winning formula at Ferrari, with hopes of securing Hamilton’s long-coveted eighth F1 world title.
His blockbuster move to Maranello has captivated F1 fans worldwide, sparking excitement over whether the seven-time champion can deliver glory in the famous red car. However, his early performances have been a mixed bag.
Hamilton’s Ferrari debut in Melbourne ended in disappointment, with a risky dry-tyre strategy in wet conditions leaving him a lowly 10th. In China, he showcased his brilliance by dominating the Sprint race, securing his and Ferrari’s first win of the season. But the weekend ended in frustration, as both Lewis Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc were disqualified from the Grand Prix—Hamilton for excessive plank wear and Leclerc for being underweight.
With just nine points from his first two races, it hasn’t been the dream start many envisioned. Yet, behind the scenes, Hamilton’s influence at Ferrari is already making a significant impact.
Frederic Vasseur reveals Hamilton’s ‘trademark’ ultra-demanding approach at Ferrari
Since arriving in Maranello in January, Hamilton has fully immersed himself in Ferrari’s culture. He has been learning Italian and even stationed his motorhome near Enzo Ferrari’s historic home, embracing the legacy of the Scuderia.
His relentless mindset is already pushing the Italian side forward. Team principal Frederic Vasseur recently told L’Equipe that Hamilton remains as ‘ultra-demanding’ as he was two decades ago—an approach that has become his trademark. According the French manager, this high standard of excellence is what makes Hamilton such a formidable competitor, ensuring that Ferrari extracts every ounce of potential from its 2025 challenger.
The former Alfa Romeo team boss mentioned that while everyone changes over 20 years, one constant between the Lewis of today and the Lewis of 20 years ago is his ultra-demanding nature. He pointed out that Lewis is always the first to go running in the morning, a trademark trait he has maintained. This drive for excellence, Fred Vasseur explained, extends beyond just himself, as the Briton is also highly demanding of those around him.
According to the Ferrari team boss, when discussing a driver’s performance, it’s not only about pushing the limits on the track, like braking late at turn eight. Hamilton has the ability to bring out the best in everyone around him because of his own high standards, and this approach is well-received by others.
Fred Vasseur also noted that Hamilton’s mindset offers a fresh perspective, as Ferrari doesn’t approach things the same way as Mercedes, Red Bull, or McLaren, yet they all end up achieving similar results. The British driver, due to his experience, has different expectations and ways of thinking, which, while neither better nor worse, have proven to be beneficial for the Maranello team.
Frederic Vasseur Responds to Lewis Hamilton Critics Following Slow Start at Ferrari
Ferrari has had a difficult start to the 2024 season, finding themselves tied with Williams in fourth place in the constructors’ championship after the first two races. Despite high expectations, they are already trailing the leaders, McLaren, by a substantial 61 points.
Critics have begun to question Lewis Hamilton’s performances, attributing his struggles to his age. At 40 years old, Hamilton endured his worst finish in recent memory, fueling speculation that his peak may be behind him. However, team principal Frederic Vasseur strongly defended his driver, hitting back at those critics he deemed “rude.” Fred Vasseur emphasized that Hamilton is still adapting to Ferrari’s environment and that the team’s integration process will take time.
Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Hamilton, much like Michael Schumacher before him, may have to undergo a period of transformation at Ferrari. He recognized the challenges Lewis Hamilton faces in adjusting to a new team dynamic, including the communication breakdown with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, that was evident during the Australian Grand Prix. Despite these early challenges, Fred Vasseur remains confident that Hamilton can make the necessary adjustments and help Ferrari move forward in their quest for improvement.
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