Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has spoken positively about Lewis Hamilton’s mindset, despite a tough start to his debut season with the Maranello-based squad. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has faced several early obstacles as he adjusts to life at Ferrari after more than a decade with Mercedes, but Vasseur emphasized that he is encouraged by how Hamilton is handling the transition.
Hamilton endured a frustrating qualifying session at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, placing only ninth on the grid. His disappointment was evident, especially considering the strong performance he had shown earlier in the weekend. The struggles, according to Fred Vasseur, stem largely from the natural adaptation period required when switching teams after such a long tenure elsewhere.
Among the specific difficulties Hamilton has encountered is getting used to Ferrari’s braking systems. The Briton has cited unfamiliarity with the brake components used by the Scuderia, as well as the need to rely more on engine braking with the SF-25—an element that was not a significant factor during his years with Mercedes.
Fred Vasseur acknowledged the complexity of this adjustment, noting that a deep technical relationship like the one Hamilton had at Mercedes cannot be replicated overnight. He pointed out that replacing over a decade of collaboration cannot happen in just a few races and stressed that the need for improvement applies to everyone on the grid—not just Hamilton or Ferrari. For the Ferrari team boss, the essence of Formula 1 lies in striving for constant progress across all areas of performance.
Despite the early setbacks, the Ferrari team boss said he is pleased with Hamilton’s mental approach. According to Fred Vasseur, Hamilton has shown a willingness to take responsibility for his own adaptation process and is fully engaged in working constructively with the team. The Frenchman appreciated that Hamilton recognizes the need to adjust his driving to suit the characteristics of the SF-25, while Ferrari, in turn, is focused on tailoring the car more closely to the needs of its new driver.
Fred Vasseur also noted that Lewis Hamilton’s visible frustration after qualifying was, in fact, a positive sign. He believes that Hamilton’s dissatisfaction with a ninth-place result demonstrates the high standards the driver sets for himself and reflects his drive to achieve better outcomes. The Frenchman remarked that Hamilton had performed strongly throughout the weekend until qualifying and that his reaction showed a competitive spirit rather than resignation.
While Hamilton’s qualifying position was a setback, his race performance told a different story. The 105-time grand prix winner made a strong recovery in the Bahrain Grand Prix, climbing through the field to finish fifth—just behind team-mate Charles Leclerc.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s need to recover after a difficult Saturday, Fred Vasseur explained how the modern Formula 1 landscape punishes even the smallest errors. He emphasized that current grid competitiveness means a margin of just a few tenths of a second can make the difference between the front rows and the midfield. Fred Vasseur pointed out that while the Monegasque driver started on the front row, being only a few hundredths slower could have seen him drop to sixth.
In his view, such fine margins require a calm and measured approach when evaluating performance. Vasseur highlighted the need to avoid overreacting to small fluctuations, as fortunes can shift dramatically from one session to the next.
Ultimately, the French manager expressed his satisfaction with Hamilton’s direction and determination following the Bahrain weekend. He said that the team encouraged Hamilton to reset after qualifying, and the Briton responded with a strong showing in the race. Looking ahead, Fred Vasseur is hopeful that the team can build on that momentum and continue improving in the coming rounds, starting with the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix weekend.
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