Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has proclaimed that the persistent overreaction to Lewis Hamilton’s performances with the team in Formula 1 must come to an abrupt end.
Hamilton’s initial on-track experience with Ferrari has not complemented the anticipation that preceded his recent switch amid an inconsistent start to his spell in red.
The Briton and team-mate Charles Leclerc have been burdened with a capricious Ferrari package that hasn’t delivered on the promise that its predecessor possessed.
That has proven to be a hindrance to Hamilton as, excluding his marvellous Sprint win in China, he has struggled more to adapt to the SF-25’s limitations than Leclerc.
Hamilton’s troubles appeared poised to continue on his maiden home outing with Ferrari at Imola last weekend as he was consigned to a second consecutive Q2 exit.
But with the seven-time F1 champion mounting a spirited recovery run to fourth, Vasseur has encouraged the public to stop being reactive towards Hamilton’s results.
Asked whether his view on Hamilton’s adaptation depends on his performances, Vasseur retorted to media including Motorsport Week: “I think we have to stop with this.
“Every single driver is working on himself, working with the team, trying to develop something, trying to do a better job, and it’s not that the Saturday evening he’s not well prepared, not in good condition with the car, and Sunday he’s a magician and everything is perfect, we just have to stay calm.
“For sure that we need to improve the communication, the understanding of the process and the tools and the software and everything.
“But honestly he did a very good job in China, he did a very good job today, step by step we will be there.”
Hamilton building towards 2026 reset
Hamilton admitted he isn’t too occupied with his results in the short term as his attention lies on ensuring that he hits the ground running once the rules reset in 2026.
Put to him that time is running out to salvage Ferrari’s dwindling prospects this season, Hamilton told media including Motorsport Week: “It really is.
“I think this is, at least from my side, this is a foundation-building year.
“Getting to grips with everything within the team, making changes that we need to do to help the team navigate to success long term.
“That’s stuff that I’m focused on in the background. There’s a lot of improvements we can make.”
READ MORE – Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari had podium potential amid ‘real synergy’ with SF-25 at Imola
