Ferrari prepares to challenge McLaren in Formula 1, but team principal Frédéric Vasseur makes it clear: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc should not become “best friends.”
As the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship enters its second half, Ferrari is gearing up for what is expected to be a fierce battle with McLaren. Scuderia Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur is preparing his two drivers — seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and long-time Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc — for what could become an increasingly competitive intra-team dynamic. So far this season, the two drivers have not often found themselves in a direct fight for victories, and on the rare occasions they have been on similar performance levels, their battles have remained respectful and clean.
There is a genuine sense of mutual respect and even friendship between Hamilton and Leclerc, but Fred Vasseur warns against letting that camaraderie go too far. According to the French team principal, their friendship must not interfere with their on-track competitiveness.
Ferrari returns to action at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, a key round that will help define the performance hierarchy going into the final stretch of the season. In Belgium, Ferrari is set to introduce the long-awaited new rear suspension system, which was recently tested during a filming day at Mugello. This technical update could help close the performance gap between Ferrari’s SF-25 and McLaren’s MCL39.
The anticipated upgrades should significantly improve the car’s overall balance. One of Ferrari’s main weaknesses this season has been the extremely narrow operating window of the SF-25. With the new suspension, that window is expected to become broader and more forgiving, allowing the car to be more adaptable to different track conditions and driving styles.
Behind the scenes, calm has returned to the Scuderia’s headquarters in Maranello after a prolonged period of internal uncertainty and tension. According to the most recent reports from inside the team, Frédéric Vasseur is expected to remain at the helm of the Maranello-based outfit beyond 2025, continuing his leadership into the 2026 season. This expected continuity offers a sense of stability and strategic coherence, which will be crucial as the sport undergoes one of its most complex and significant regulatory transformations in recent history, set to take effect in 2026.
Friends, but also rivals: Vasseur outlines Ferrari’s philosophy for Hamilton and Leclerc
The relationship between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton is currently very positive. However, with the prospect of fighting at the very front of the grid becoming more realistic, Frédéric Vasseur has outlined a clear stance on how the internal team dynamic should evolve. Speaking to RTBF, the French team principal stated: “There has to be some rivalry between them. I don’t want them to be best friends, but I also don’t want them to become enemies. They need to be motivated to beat each other, to do better than the other. That kind of rivalry pushes both drivers and is extremely positive for the team.”
If Frédéric Vasseur’s position as team boss is confirmed for the long term, development work in Maranello can continue with full momentum. Looking ahead to 2026, Ferrari is working on a car that aims to deliver “absolute performance,” as highlighted by Jerome D’Ambrosio, who is now involved in the development program. However, beyond just raw speed, the real challenge will be to ensure that both Hamilton and Leclerc are given the tools they need to fully exploit their respective driving styles — an essential element if Ferrari wants to become a consistent race-winning and championship-contending team under the upcoming technical regulations.
And you? What do you think about the fact that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc should remain friendly rivals? Let us know with a comment at the end of the article or on our social media channels: Facebook Group / Facebook Page / Instagram / X (former Twitter)
Leave a Reply