Lewis Hamilton reveals behind-the-scenes Ferrari changes that transformed the team. How Fred Vasseur helped Lewis Hamilton shape Ferrari’s winning culture.

Lewis Hamilton has revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about his arrival at Ferrari, describing how his move to Maranello initially created a major shock within the organization and highlighting the decisive role played by Fred Vasseur in helping reshape the team.

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion reflected on his first months with Ferrari and the changes he noticed after joining the Scuderia. Hamilton also explained how Vasseur played a fundamental role in building the foundations of the Ferrari team that is now capable of winning races once again.

Following the victory in Barcelona, several previously unknown details have come to light. Hamilton, for example, spoke publicly for the first time about an injury suffered during the 2025 tests while driving the Ferrari SF-23, an issue that significantly affected his performances.

Many observers now see Lewis Hamilton as the leading figure within Ferrari, with some already overlooking Charles Leclerc‘s chances of mounting a title challenge or returning to the top of Formula 1. What the driver of the #44 Ferrari has achieved is undoubtedly remarkable, particularly in terms of methodology, leadership, and the working culture he has helped establish within the team.

Hamilton: “I really had to push for some changes”

“First of all, I wouldn’t be in this team without Fred. Fred is the one who made all of this possible, and I’m incredibly grateful to him. I think last year was really very difficult for him to deal with. My arrival was a huge shock to the system because I’m a very straightforward person. If I see something that I don’t think is right, or if I push very hard on something, that comes from deep within who I am and I’m relentless about it. I think it’s not easy being on the receiving end of all that when you also have to manage an entire organization and a culture that is already well established in a certain way.”

“Vasseur kept believing in me, he continued to be a good friend and a great teammate, an ally and a true supporter. In the end, he really listened and I really had to push for some changes. He made those changes possible, and I’ll be forever grateful to him because without those changes none of this would have happened. So a huge thank you to him.”

It was Fred Vasseur himself who also addressed any doubts regarding the well-timed Virtual Safety Car that appeared during the Spanish Grand Prix and helped the Briton strengthen his position at the front. Would Ferrari have won the race anyway?

“We would have won the race, perhaps by a slightly smaller margin, but at that stage we were still in a good position thanks to a set of new tyres. The Virtual Safety Car was beneficial for us, but we would have won even without it,” explained the Ferrari Team Principal.