The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix weekend has undoubtedly been overshadowed by the significant announcement of the contract renewal of Ferrari’s team principal, Frédéric Vasseur. This decision, which had been anticipated for some time, finally put an end to persistent rumors about the French manager’s role and future at the helm of the Scuderia. In recent weeks, speculation ran rampant, causing considerable noise and a degree of instability within the team. These rumors, fueled by some Italian media outlets, suggested that Ferrari’s top management was exploring potential replacements for Fred Vasseur due to dissatisfaction with the team’s results so far in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite official denials and strong backing from both Ferrari drivers, the rumors had stirred unrest among fans and insiders alike.
Looking forward
Lewis Hamilton spoke out positively about Fred Vasseur’s contract renewal during the weekend, seizing the opportunity to comment on the news. He expressed satisfaction with the announcement, emphasizing how it helped him approach his future at Ferrari with a greater sense of calm and confidence. This future includes not only the second half of the 2025 racing season but also extends to 2026, a crucial year when this decision will provide Maranello with the necessary stability to enter Formula 1’s new era. Hamilton stated, “You have heard my thoughts on Fred. I said he is the right choice. Fred brought me here, and I want to work with him. It’s about understanding the environment and adapting. The response from the team has been incredible, and their passion and desire to keep improving is the most surprising thing about this team. Everyone wants to get better. This team has all the ingredients for success. That’s why I signed.”
Starting in Budapest
The Hungarian Grand Prix marks the first step for Lewis Hamilton in what promises to be a more stable Ferrari environment than he has experienced so far. At this weekend’s race in Budapest, Ferrari is looking for important answers regarding the effectiveness of its new rear suspension, which debuted impressively at Spa-Francorchamps but on a circuit very different from the Hungaroring. Some of those answers began to emerge already during FP1 at the Hungaroring, where Ferrari appeared to be the second fastest team on the track, just behind a very strong McLaren. It was a positive session for the team and for Charles Leclerc in particular, but less encouraging for Lewis Hamilton. During the session, the British driver voiced concerns over the handling of his car via team radio with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami.
Adami asked, “Do you want to go for another lap?”
Hamilton replied, “No, the car doesn’t give me good feelings.”
Adami then said, “Okay, box.”
Lewis Hamilton’s admission reveals the challenges he is still facing in adapting fully to the Ferrari SF-25, highlighting that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to find the perfect balance and performance that he demands.
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