Ferrari Formula 1 team principal Fred Vasseur expressed optimism that Lewis Hamilton will secure a podium finish in the 2025 season, citing promising performances in recent races. Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari, after many years with Mercedes, has taken longer than expected, but signs of progress suggest a breakthrough is imminent.
Early Season Challenges and Recent Speed Improvements
Hamilton stunned spectators with a pole-to-flag win in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, but overall his debut season with Ferrari has not matched his own high expectations. Struggling particularly in qualifying before the summer break, Hamilton remained behind his teammate Charles Leclerc and endured a rare crash at Zandvoort.
Nevertheless, the 40-year-old Briton has shown growing competitiveness, bringing his pace closer to Leclerc’s. Vasseur believes this rise in Hamilton’s raw speed indicates that a grand prix podium is within reach sooner rather than later.
Vasseur Highlights Key Performances Demonstrating Hamilton’s Comeback
Analyzing Hamilton’s recent efforts, Vasseur pointed to battles with George Russell and a strong performance at Monza despite setbacks. He said,
“Yes, because he was able to fight with [George] Russell in Zandvoort, and [he was able] to come back from P10 to the gearbox of Russell,”
before adding,
“Russell was a couple of times on the podium. Yes, we can expect him to be on the podium.”
Support from Ferrari Fans Provides Extra Motivation
Beyond his on-track progress, Hamilton has received passionate encouragement from the Ferrari tifosi at Maranello and Monza, which Vasseur credits as a morale booster. The team principal noted,
“Honestly, I think this started in Zandvoort last week,”
reflecting on Hamilton’s improved mood and pace even though the race result was not favorable.
Vasseur continued,
“I think the energy that he received from the tifosi on Wednesday and Thursday in Milan was something very special for him. I don’t know what he was expecting from this. But it was something mega. And I think this gave him an extra boost all over the weekend.”
Overcoming Race Penalties While Maintaining Competition
Hamilton faced a five-place grid penalty during the most recent race weekend, yet Vasseur praised the driver’s tenacity and consistent performance throughout. He explained,
“For sure, we had to serve the [five-place grid] penalty. We knew from the beginning of the weekend that it was plus five. It’s not an easy one. But we came back behind Russell. And the pace was there from the first lap of FP1 to the last lap of the race.”
Current Standings and Outlook for the Season Ahead
Heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton ranks sixth in the drivers’ championship with 117 points, trailing his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc by 46 points. With Vasseur’s confidence and Hamilton’s recent gains in pace and consistency, a podium finish in the 2025 season appears increasingly achievable, providing renewed motivation for the seven-time world champion as he continues to chase Ferrari success.
