With the 2025 season concluded, Frederic Vasseur has addressed the criticisms made by Ferrari president John Elkann towards the drivers and reassured that both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are free to express their opinions. The team principal also outlined the objectives for the future.
The 2025 season for Ferrari ended amid controversy. Criticism surrounded a car that never fully delivered, concerns about team cohesion, and lingering reactions to the president’s comments. Fred Vasseur, however, emphasized that the drivers have full freedom to provide feedback and clarified the common goal moving forward.
Ferrari’s 2025 campaign was disappointing: the Scuderia failed to win a single Grand Prix and finished fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, despite being considered a strong contender at the start of the year.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton often voiced their frustration in post-session interviews, with the Brazilian Grand Prix standing out after Hamilton described the race as “a nightmare.” These reactions drew criticism from Ferrari president John Elkann, who suggested that the drivers should “focus on driving and speak less.”
Fred Vasseur sets the record straight
After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Fred Vasseur provided more context about the team’s situation and outlined a shared objective. He explained, “I don’t pay attention to reactions on TV. The most important thing for me is to have a driver who comes to us and pushes the team to work better and to collaborate in order to achieve improved results.”
The team principal added, “The fact that sometimes they show emotion on the radio… you all know Charles. He is always a little critical of himself first, then of the team and everyone else, but always in a positive way. I have known Charles for many years, and he has always been like this. He would always complain about everything. But it is a positive dynamic because we are there to improve our work.”
Encouraging constructive criticism
Contrary to popular belief, Fred Vasseur confirmed that drivers are fully encouraged to be critical. “I would be devastated if the drivers told me we were doing a good job,” he said. “Drivers must come to us and push the team to the limit. We can improve, and we can improve everywhere.”
He continued, “Last year, we fought until the final corner, and the reaction was exactly the same. Charles said, ‘Okay guys, we need to improve in every single aspect: the simulator, the setup, the aerodynamics.’ This is the DNA of their work and the DNA of our sport.” – the French manager concluded.
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