Lewis Hamilton has publicly supported Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur following reports that the Frenchman’s position could be at risk due to the team’s underwhelming results this season. The seven-time Formula 1 champion emphasized that Vasseur was a key reason behind his decision to join Ferrari, pushing back against growing rumors about management’s dissatisfaction and potential leadership changes.
Italian media outlets first brought attention to unrest within Ferrari’s senior ranks, indicating that unless notable car improvements arrive soon, Vasseur’s job might be on the line. These reports suggest Hamilton feels sidelined within the team, while his teammate Charles Leclerc is reportedly losing faith in Ferrari’s ability to contend for championship titles this year.
Historical Patterns Add Weight to Managerial Rumors
Speculation about Vasseur’s future gained momentum as observers pointed to Ferrari’s history of frequently replacing team principals under pressure. This cycle of swift leadership changes has fueled narratives that Vasseur is now on “thin ice” and under intense scrutiny to deliver improved performances in upcoming races.
Despite the rumors, Hamilton reinforced his loyalty to Vasseur during a FIA press conference. He highlighted the long-standing relationship he shares with the French team boss, who managed Hamilton during his early racing career. Hamilton said:
“I was just made aware of it just before I got here, so I’ve not read the stories. It’s definitely not nice to, to hear that there’s stories like that that are out there. I love working with Fred. Fred’s the main reason I’m in this team and I got the opportunity to be here.”
Former Ferrari Driver Carlos Sainz Comments on the Situation
Carlos Sainz, who previously raced for Ferrari before Hamilton, addressed the reports concerning Fred Vasseur’s job security. He criticized the media’s tendency to assign blame hastily when the team’s results disappoint. Sainz described the rumors as a predictable “finger-pointing” phase that arises in difficult times, urging a focus on the team’s ongoing process instead. He said:
“Same story as always, the moment that the results don’t click in Ferrari, there’s always finger-pointing by the media, and all this chaos happening. For me, it’s all about focusing on the process and delivering when it matters.”
Sainz also shared his complex history with Vasseur, recalling a difficult period when the Frenchman chose to bring in Hamilton instead of retaining him as a Ferrari driver. Despite this, the two have since reconciled, and Sainz expressed respect for Vasseur’s capabilities both as a leader and as a person:
“But if you ask me, Fred, I have a great relationship with him. In the past, obviously, we went through a tough month where he didn’t want me and signed Lewis, but apart from that, we made peace about it, and I get on well, and I always rated him as a team principal and as a person.”
The Future of Ferrari Leadership Remains Uncertain
At the time of this report, Fred Vasseur has not commented publicly on the speculation surrounding his role. Still, Hamilton’s vocal support could carry significant influence within Ferrari and the wider F1 community amid a tense period for the Scuderia. How the team navigates this episode may shape Ferrari’s approach to leadership and performance as the season progresses.
