Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged the critical need for both strong support and firm motivation to help Lewis Hamilton overcome his challenging start at the Italian team during the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a sprint victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton is yet to reach the podium in main races while trying to regain top form with the famed Scuderia Ferrari.
Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, currently occupies sixth place in the drivers’ championship, trailing team-mate Charles Leclerc who has been the dominant Ferrari driver this year. Vasseur recognizes that moving past this difficult phase requires cooperation between Hamilton and the entire Ferrari outfit to unlock better performances.
How Ferrari Is Navigating Hamilton’s Rough Start
Fred Vasseur spoke on the Beyond the Grid podcast about the balancing act Ferrari must perform to aid Hamilton’s progress. He emphasized that the team’s role is not only to back Hamilton in tough moments but also to encourage and challenge him when necessary to rise above setbacks.
“It’s up to us to support him when he is struggling, and we also need to push him when he’s struggling,”
Vasseur stated. He acknowledged that races like Spa and Budapest posed difficulties for Hamilton but reassured that the Ferrari team remains firmly behind the driver to help him bounce back.
Vasseur continued,
“I’m really convinced that he will do it. We have to be supportive with him every single day, and I will be supportive every single day with Lewis.”
Hamilton’s Determination and Ferrari’s Role in His Recovery
According to the team boss, Hamilton’s mindset and commitment remain strong despite the mixed results so far. The team principal praised Hamilton’s relentless effort and his determination to inspire the team around him, stating:
“He’s a champion, he’s doing very well, and he has the pace. The other characteristic is to try to get the best from the people around you, extra motivation, and extra push. For sure, this characteristic is there.”
— Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Vasseur highlighted that Hamilton is “pushing like hell” and focused on extracting the best from both himself and his colleagues at Ferrari. The team leader stressed that maintaining a strong support system combined with mental resilience is key to turning Hamilton’s season around.
What Lies Ahead for Hamilton and Ferrari
As Hamilton works to close the gap with Leclerc and improve his standing in the 2025 championship, Ferrari faces the challenge of refining their strategy to maximize the driver’s potential. The team’s efforts to balance encouragement with constructive pressure reflect their commitment to reestablishing Hamilton as a consistent frontrunner in the Ferrari red.
With the season still unfolding, how effectively Ferrari manages Lewis Hamilton’s comeback will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike. Support from Maranello combined with Hamilton’s perseverance could mark the turning point in what has started as a turbulent debut season with the Scuderia.
