Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has openly acknowledged the difficulties faced during his inaugural season with the team, particularly regarding the performance of Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of the year, yet his aspirations for success quickly diminished, culminating in a season devoid of podium finishes for the first time in his 19-year career.
Hamilton’s struggles were highlighted by his record of being outqualified by his teammate Charles Leclerc 19 times to five. Vasseur emphasized that the gaps in performance often stemmed from minor details, which can significantly impact results in such a competitive field. He stated, “I think it was difficult for Lewis, and it’s too small a word probably, but it was difficult because after 20 years… he spent 20 years with Mercedes, it was a huge change.”
The transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has proven to be more challenging than Vasseur initially anticipated. He pointed out that the differences extend beyond mere adjustments to the environment, including unique software and components that require adaptation. “It’s not just about the food or the weather,” he explained. “If you are not on the top of everything, you leave on the table a couple of hundredths of seconds.”
Vasseur pinpointed a specific instance during qualifying in Abu Dhabi, where just one-tenth of a second separated drivers from positions five through fifteen. This illustrates the razor-thin margins that exist in Formula One, making every detail crucial. He acknowledged that the team did not maintain full control over all aspects of their performance, leading to setbacks throughout the season.
As Ferrari looks toward the future, Vasseur believes that both the team and Hamilton must strive for improvement across the board to unlock the driver’s full potential in 2026. He remarked, “I think it has to come from everywhere. The mindset of the team and the mindset of the driver has to be that let’s try to do a better job everywhere.”
Vasseur emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that Hamilton needs to optimize his performance with the car, while the team must enhance their understanding of his needs. “It’s not that when you are three tenths behind someone, it’s not that they have the magic bullet… Quite often, it’s that you have ten topics where you are three hundredths of a second slower,” he noted.
Improving the synergy between Hamilton and the team will take time, a factor that has already benefited Leclerc, who has spent seven years with Ferrari. Vasseur underscored the significance of building rapport, saying, “Honestly, it’s also a matter of mindset, a matter of understanding each other.”
As Ferrari prepares for the upcoming seasons, the focus remains on refining their strategies and ensuring Hamilton can adapt to his new environment effectively. The path to success involves addressing every small detail, as the margins in Formula One continue to tighten.
