Fred Vasseur reveals why positive feedback from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc would ‘destroy’ him
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has revealed the mindset behind his leadership at Maranello, explaining that he would be “destroyed” if Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ever told him that Ferrari was performing well after a turbulent 2025 season.
The Scuderia entered the 2025 season with high expectations. After finishing just 14 points behind McLaren in 2024, Ferrari aimed to mount a serious challenge for their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008. The arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes added even more optimism, with hopes that he and Charles Leclerc could spearhead a return to the top of Formula 1.
However, the reality proved far harsher. Ferrari failed to win a single race in 2025, marking their first winless season since 2021. The team slipped to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, 435 points adrift of McLaren. Lewis Hamilton endured a particularly difficult campaign, experiencing his first career season without a podium despite winning the China Sprint and finishing third in the Miami Sprint. Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, also faced challenges in a car that struggled to consistently compete with the leading teams.
Reflecting on this difficult period, Fred Vasseur defended Ferrari’s approach and emphasized the importance of relentless internal pressure. He explained that hearing positive feedback from his drivers would go against the very DNA of the team’s culture.
The former Alfa Romeo team boss explained that both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are expected to push the team to the absolute limit, addressing every aspect of performance from setup to simulator work. He stressed that it is never just one driver giving feedback, but the combined efforts of both champions that drive improvements across the entire organization.
He added that while there is always room for improvement, Ferrari’s culture relies on continuous pressure and honest assessments. Fred Vasseur noted that during the 2024 season, the team was pushing until the very last corner, and Charles Leclerc consistently demanded improvements in every area, from the car’s setup to simulator performance. The Frenchman said that receiving these detailed reports from both drivers is entirely expected and necessary.
“If Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ever came to me and said, ‘Fred, we’re doing a good job,’ it would destroy me,” Vasseur admitted. “Their DNA, and mine, is to constantly push the team to do better. They need to challenge every single area of the car, every session, every track, to ensure we keep improving.”
The French manager also addressed media speculation that driver reports are somehow extraordinary. He clarified that detailed feedback is a standard part of racing at the top level. Every driver sends reports every race, highlighting issues and areas for improvement. There is nothing unusual about this process—it is exactly what Ferrari expects from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to drive the team forward.
Fred Vasseur’s comments underline Ferrari’s philosophy: progress is driven by constant scrutiny, constructive criticism, and a refusal to accept mediocrity. The 2025 season may have been disappointing in terms of results, but internally, the team continues to operate with the same hunger and intensity that has defined Maranello for decades.
Looking ahead, Ferrari is determined to channel the lessons from 2025, with Fred Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc working closely to refine the team and target a return to the front of the grid in 2026.
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