Frederic Vasseur reacts to Charles Leclerc’s Silverstone victory and Lewis Hamilton’s missed opportunity. Ferrari's Frederic Vasseur praises Charles Leclerc and rues Safety Car finish at Silverstone.

Frederic Vasseur celebrates Ferrari’s Silverstone success

Ferrari bounced back in style at the British Grand Prix, responding immediately to its disappointing weekend at the Red Bull Ring with a memorable victory at Silverstone.

Charles Leclerc ended a long winless streak stretching back to the 2024 United States Grand Prix, returning to the top step of the Formula 1 podium after producing an outstanding drive. Although Andrea Kimi Antonelli looked capable of mounting a late charge for victory before suffering a technical problem, Ferrari fully capitalised on the opportunity to secure its second Grand Prix win of the 2026 season.

Speaking to Sky Sport after the race, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur expressed his delight at seeing Charles Leclerc rewarded after a difficult period.

“Charles has received a lot of criticism, but he always knew the team was behind him and that we would keep pushing together. We have enormous confidence in Charles, and today I’m more than happy to see him standing on the top step of the podium.”

Vasseur regrets the Safety Car finish for Lewis Hamilton

While Ferrari celebrated Charles Leclerc’s victory, Fred Vasseur admitted there was also a sense of frustration over how the closing laps unfolded for Lewis Hamilton.

The seven-time world champion had switched onto the soft tyres during the late Safety Car period, while George Russell remained on worn medium tyres. Had the race restarted for a final green-flag lap, Hamilton would likely have had an excellent opportunity to attack his fellow Briton for second place and potentially complete a Ferrari one-two finish.

Instead, the Safety Car remained on track until the chequered flag, freezing the order and leaving Hamilton in third.

“It’s a pity the Safety Car stayed out for the final lap because Hamilton was on the soft tyres,” Fred Vasseur said, reflecting on what could have been an even bigger day for Ferrari.

Even so, Ferrari leaves Silverstone with plenty to celebrate. Charles Leclerc’s emotional victory and Lewis Hamilton’s podium delivered a huge haul of championship points and further evidence that the Scuderia has taken another important step forward in its fight with Mercedes at the front of the Formula 1 field.