Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has conceded that the team and Lewis Hamilton “needed time to be on the same page” during the partnership’s debut season in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s inaugural campaign with the iconic Italian marque hasn’t lived up to the expectations that greeted his much-anticipated, blockbuster move from Mercedes.
The seven-time World Champion is still waiting to register his maiden podium in red, with his ongoing 20-race drought seeing him achieve an unwanted Ferrari record.
But despite an appearance on the rostrum continuing to evade him, Hamilton has all but reduced his pace gap to team-mate Charles Leclerc since the summer break.
Having admitted that both parties underestimated the initial acclimatisation period, Vasseur believes Hamilton’s recent progress is down to him gelling with the team.
“It’s like this from the beginning of the season, that the field is mega, mega tight this year, that you have guys moving from P18 sometimes to P3 or P4,” Vasseur told media including Motorsport Week.
“It means that if you leave something on the table, you are losing positions.
“Lewis needed – and the team needed – time to be exactly on the same page on some details, and for every single detail today you are losing positions.
“It means that we need to be in full control of everything, and it’s the clear target for all of us.”
Ferrari ‘united’ despite tumultuous 2025
Both Hamilton and Leclerc have been outspoken in their support towards Vasseur throughout the campaign, amid unrelenting rumours about his position at the helm.
“Well, it’s true that it’s a good feeling that we are united,” Vasseur said in response to his drivers’ backing. “We are working as a team – and from day one.
“For sure, it’s not an easy season, but it’s the life of a racing team. To work together and to push all together in the same direction is the best reaction we can have.
“It’s a good feeling when you have a weekend like Austin. We had a very good recovery, working all together from the guys on track and the guys in Maranello.
“And the fact that the two drivers are united and pushing in the same direction is important.”
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