Long before Lewis Hamilton started his Formula 1 career in 2007, his exceptional motorsport ability was clear to key figures in the racing world. At just 10 years old, Hamilton confidently told McLaren boss Ron Dennis that one day he would be driving for the team, a prediction that came true 12 years later. Before entering F1, Hamilton established a strong foundation by winning the Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship in 2003, followed by success in the Formula 3 Euro Series and the Masters of Formula 3 in 2005.
In 2006, Hamilton moved up to GP2, a crucial stepping stone beneath Formula 1, joining ART Grand Prix. This move brought him into contact with Fred Vasseur, who would later take charge at Ferrari and closely follow Hamilton’s career.
Fred Vasseur Recognized Hamilton’s Remarkable Skills During GP2
Fred Vasseur, now the head of Ferrari, recalled in an interview on the Pirelli YouTube channel how Hamilton initially faced challenges adapting to GP2. Nevertheless, Hamilton quickly overcame early difficulties to dominate the 2006 season. He secured the championship with an impressive record: five wins, seven fastest laps, and 14 podiums in 21 races. One standout performance was in Turkey, where Hamilton surged from 19th on the grid to finish in second place.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s breakthrough season, Vasseur described him as “magic” despite his early struggles. He explained,
“This year was for sure in terms of results, mega, but was also a good lesson because he struggled at the beginning. There was a huge step between F3 and F2 with not so many test days and the first races were difficult for Lewis. Valencia, he had a port start, then Imola, he overtook the safety car.”
And then he started to win and he had a very good recovery, won the championship in Monza. But it was a good lesson because he struggled a little bit at the beginning and he was magic at the end.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Challenges Faced in the Hamilton-Vasseur Partnership at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton quickly rose through the ranks, claiming his first Formula 1 title with McLaren in 2008 before moving to Mercedes in 2013. There, he won six additional championships, cementing his status as the most successful driver in F1 history. Fred Vasseur entered Formula 1 as a team principal in 2016 with Renault, later managing Sauber and Alfa Romeo before taking the top role at Ferrari in 2023. Under his guidance, Ferrari nearly clinched the constructors’ championship in 2024, finishing just 14 points behind the leader.
In 2025, Vasseur signed Hamilton to Ferrari, aiming to renew a winning formula and bring the team their first title since 2007. However, the season proved difficult as Hamilton struggled, failing to reach the podium and concluding the year seventh in the driver standings. The partnership did not meet expectations, with Hamilton himself expressing frustration and suggesting mid-season replacement. For 2026, both driver and team are hopeful for significant progress.
What Lies Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
The reunion of Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur at Ferrari carries high hopes given their shared history and combined expertise. Despite a challenging first season together, the relationship holds potential to evolve, with Hamilton keen to regain his winning form. Improvements in car performance and team strategy will be critical as Ferrari aims to break its recent title drought. The motorsport community will be watching closely to see if this collaboration can restore Ferrari’s dominance and add another chapter to Hamilton’s illustrious career.
