Ahead of Formula 1’s first race weekend at Madring, and particularly in the aftermath of what happened at Monza, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has clarified the team’s approach to managing its two drivers. Speaking in an interview with L’Équipe, Frederic Vasseur addressed the tension that followed the Italian Grand Prix, when Lewis Hamilton voiced criticism and frustration over what happened with Charles Leclerc between Turns 1 and 2 at the start of the race, as well as Ferrari’s handling of its drivers.
By the time Formula 1 reached its Madrid media day, the situation had calmed down. The three main figures involved had dealt with the matter internally, openly acknowledging that discussions had taken place both individually and collectively as Ferrari looked to move on from the Monza episode.
Ferrari driver hierarchy remains unchanged after Monza
Frederic Vasseur was emphatic that what happened in Italy will not undermine Ferrari’s internal balance and will not change the way he manages Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. For the Ferrari team principal, everything begins with respect: “Between them and towards the team,” he stressed.
The conversations held after Monza were, according to Frederic Vasseur, the same type of debriefs Ferrari conducts with its drivers after every Grand Prix, reviewing what was done well and identifying areas that need to improve. “We met separately and then all together to analyse everything.”
Another point Frederic Vasseur emphasised was the emotion of the immediate aftermath of a race. Comments made in the heat of the moment are rarely repeated in exactly the same way once the situation has been reviewed more calmly and rationally, which is why the Frenchman is not overly concerned by what a driver may say immediately after climbing out of the car.
His long-standing relationship with both drivers also helps. Frederic Vasseur knows the personalities of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc well, while both drivers are equally familiar with what their team principal expects from them.
“We don’t need to talk much to understand each other. They know what I accept and what I don’t accept.”
Frederic Vasseur also believes the level of pressure surrounding Ferrari, particularly during its home weekend at Monza, should not be underestimated and may have amplified the significance of what happened between the two drivers.
Frederic Vasseur points to Mercedes and McLaren examples
As he did immediately after the Italian Grand Prix, Frederic Vasseur pointed to incidents elsewhere on the grid to underline how situations involving Ferrari tend to attract greater attention.
“Kimi Antonelli and George Russell also fought on Sunday, and Kimi ended up in the gravel. Seeing your drivers clash is never what you want, but they cleared things up.”
Frederic Vasseur then turned to McLaren, arguing that its approach to managing its drivers was also an important part of Lando Norris’s success last year.
“At Monza Oscar Piastri had a 30-point lead over Lando Norris. If McLaren had chosen Oscar as its number-one driver, Max Verstappen would most likely have won another title.”
That example led into the most significant part of Frederic Vasseur’s explanation, as the Ferrari team principal made clear that the team’s equal-driver philosophy is deliberate rather than the result of indecision.
Lewis Hamilton knew Ferrari’s two-number-one policy was in the contract
“We chose not to have a number one, but two drivers capable of winning and to treat them equally. Drivers know this very well when they join us. Lewis knew it, of course, it’s written in the contract. It’s a strategic choice. Some decide to have a number-one and a number-two driver; we decided on two number ones, with the advantages and disadvantages that can bring.”
That approach also extends to Ferrari’s much-discussed rules of engagement. Frederic Vasseur confirmed that the team does have its own internal rules, although not in the form of a written handbook attempting to cover every possible race scenario and dictate exactly how Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc should respond.
“I don’t like that principle because every situation has to be interpreted and there would be discussions anyway. It is about who has priority in deciding the organisation of certain weekends, who goes out ahead in qualifying, but then I manage everything. They trust me and my decisions. The fundamental aspect is respect: between them, towards me, the employees, the sponsors, but above all towards Ferrari.”
Asked whether the Monza incident could therefore prompt Ferrari to change its approach, Frederic Vasseur was direct: “I won’t change.”
He did acknowledge that circumstances could eventually force Ferrari to nominate a number-one and number-two driver, particularly if the championship situation made such a decision necessary. For now, however, Frederic Vasseur made clear that Ferrari has not reached that point.
Frederic Vasseur brushes aside future talk and focuses on Madring
The Ferrari team principal was also asked whether speculation and discussion surrounding his own future concerned him. Remaining consistent with the stance he adopted during difficult periods last season, Frederic Vasseur said his attention remains on what lies ahead and on the factors he can control.
With Madrid the next stop on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, Frederic Vasseur is instead focused on Ferrari’s immediate opportunity to respond after its difficult home weekend.
“In Formula 1, we are all always at risk, so I don’t feel any different from two weeks ago. Hopefully we can bounce back straight away in Madrid. Getting Charles Leclerc’s car back into shape required a lot of effort.”
Ferrari boss responds to rivals over Madring filming day
The interview also brought an important confirmation from Ferrari’s team principal regarding the team’s earlier running at the new Spanish venue. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had already driven the SF-26 during Ferrari’s filming day at Madring, something that prompted questions over whether the Scuderia could arrive with an advantage over its rivals.
Frederic Vasseur took the opportunity to respond pointedly to those complaints. “The rivals are complaining about the filming day? It’s not my fault they didn’t think of it!”
He then confirmed what AutoRacer had reported at the time regarding how Ferrari’s visit to the circuit came about, while playing down the competitive value of the running.
“The promoter invited us for some filming and we went. The track was very dirty anyway and the kerbs were not even there yet. I don’t think it gives us an advantage.”
Leave a Reply