Lewis Hamilton strongly defended Fred Vasseur on Thursday at Sepang, but his comments also appeared to point beyond the Ferrari team principal. Speaking to Sky UK, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion suggested that resistance to some of the structural changes he wants may come from figures higher in the Maranello hierarchy rather than from Fred Vasseur himself.
The remarks are particularly significant amid the renewed speculation surrounding Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton’s message was unequivocal in its support for Fred Vasseur, while also appearing to indicate that the French manager may not have sole authority over every change the team still needs. The comments add another dimension to the discussion around Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with John Elkann and Fred Vasseur’s authority within Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton sends a message beyond Fred Vasseur
“They tried to break our spirit, but without success,” Lewis Hamilton began confidently. “What Ferrari has done is positive. In terms of team unity, we were already united. Fred is the person who leads us and he’s doing a fantastic job. If you look historically at how many people have come and gone in that role, I think he’s in a better position than they were. But ultimately, it isn’t a situation that depends on one man.”
Lewis Hamilton then became more specific in his analysis: “It involves so many people, and if you want to point the finger, point it somewhere else. There are people higher up who are part of it, so many people. The message is that Fred is staying in his position, he isn’t going anywhere, and I will continue to stand by him, continuing to believe in the direction we’re taking.”
The seven-time world champion’s backing comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Fred Vasseur’s Ferrari future, with attention once again focused on the team’s leadership structure and the direction being taken at Maranello.
Lewis Hamilton suggests Fred Vasseur does not have full control
Lewis Hamilton ruled out any problems in his relationship with Fred Vasseur. “I’m happy with the treatment I receive,” he said. However, the British driver once again appeared to suggest that there is some resistance to the proposals being made.
“I won’t talk about what happens in the team, but I’ll keep trying to work with the people who have the power to make the changes,” Lewis Hamilton explained. “It isn’t something quick; people aren’t willing to do it straight away. Fred has already implemented many of the changes I’ve asked him for, but there are still others to make.”
Speaking to the media, Lewis Hamilton added: “Fred is a fantastic leader, and he’s the right person. However, there is a structure that has existed for a long time. Whether it needs to be reviewed or not, it isn’t just about Fred; there are also people above him. There are changes I would make, but I won’t tell you about them. Toto [Wolff] is in a different situation from Fred; the structures are very different. That’s all I can say.”
Those remarks appeared to suggest that Fred Vasseur does not have full powers within Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton drawing a clear distinction between the authority structures at Maranello and Mercedes. They also place further attention on the wider communication and leadership questions surrounding Ferrari at a crucial point for the team.
Who sits above Fred Vasseur at Ferrari?
According to Ferrari’s organisational structure, Fred Vasseur serves as team principal and general manager of the Formula 1 team. He reports directly to company chief executive Benedetto Vigna and Ferrari chairman John Elkann.
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