Lewis Hamilton has publicly addressed ongoing rumors questioning Fred Vasseur’s position as Ferrari team boss, urging fans and media to stop spreading unfounded stories. Speaking before the Canadian Grand Prix in 2024, Hamilton reinforced his full support for Vasseur, emphasizing the crucial role the French executive played in bringing him to the Scuderia.
The speculation, originating from multiple Italian media outlets, suggested intense scrutiny of Vasseur’s leadership after Ferrari’s performance declined from its early 2024 pace. Despite having one of the fastest cars, the SF-25, Ferrari has struggled to match previous successes, sparking rumors that Vasseur’s job might be at risk.
Ferrari’s Recent Struggles and Leadership Speculation
Ferrari’s SF-25 showed promise at the beginning of the season but failed to consistently deliver podium finishes for drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. While McLaren and Red Bull surged ahead with stronger results and more race victories, Ferrari found itself trailing McLaren by 197 points after nine race weekends.
This downturn prompted stories in outlets like Corriere dello Sport, which linked Antonello Coletta, Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) boss credited with back-to-back Le Mans wins, as a potential replacement for Vasseur. Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport also reported that the upcoming Canadian, Austrian, and British Grands Prix would be pivotal in deciding Vasseur’s future at Ferrari.
Despite these reports, Ferrari dismissed the rumors as baseless fabrications. Hamilton, who was personally recruited by Vasseur in late 2023, immediately rejected the speculation when questioned about it.
Hamilton’s Firm Endorsement of Vasseur’s Leadership
Hamilton made clear his appreciation for working under Fred Vasseur, highlighting his belief that Vasseur is the right person to guide Ferrari back to championship success. He said,
“It’s definitely not nice to hear that there are stories like that that are out there,”
Lewis Hamilton said.
He continued,
“Firstly, I love working with Fred. Fred’s the main reason I’m in this team and got the opportunity to be here, which I’m forever grateful for. And we’re in this together. We’re working hard in the background. Things aren’t perfect, but for me, as I said, I’m here to work with the team, but also with Fred.”
Hamilton stressed,
“I want Fred here. I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top.”
The Intensity of 2025 F1 Championship Challenges
The current F1 season has been marked by fierce competition, with unexpected shifts in team standings and race outcomes impacting expectations. Ferrari’s struggles this year have contrasted with the soaring performances of competitors such as McLaren and Red Bull, adding pressure on team leadership and strategic decisions.
With the 2025 Formula 1 championship still unfolding, no clear winner has emerged yet, and the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championship standings continue to shift following each race.
Rejecting False Reports About Potential Changes to Ferrari’s Leadership
Alongside rumors about Vasseur’s job security, reports also floated the possibility of Ferrari trying to recruit Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner. Horner immediately dismissed such talk by reaffirming his loyalty to Red Bull, stating in an exclusive interview,
“heart and soul is with Red Bull.”
The surge of rumors around Vasseur began during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend but intensified after a Corriere dello Sport article on Thursday highlighted alleged dissatisfaction with his role. Hamilton strongly disapproved of the unfounded claims and clarified his position against replacing the current team boss.
He said,
“Ultimately, it’s nonsense what people have written. Most people don’t know what’s going on in the background.”
Hamilton elaborated,
“It isn’t all easy, it’s not like it’s all the smoothest sailing in the background. We are having to make changes, and it’s a lot of work to do, and there is, naturally, a lot of pressure because we want to win. But that’s not any part of the discussion at the moment. I don’t think that’s on the cards, as far as I’m aware, and that’s certainly not something that I would be supportive of.”
Fred Vasseur’s Impact Since Taking Over Ferrari
Fred Vasseur assumed control of Ferrari’s Formula 1 team ahead of the 2023 season, succeeding Mattia Binotto. Since then, he has overseen significant improvements in team organization, strategic planning, and performance, resulting in Ferrari fielding one of the quickest cars in 2024.
Vasseur’s leadership attracted Hamilton to Ferrari, who signed on for what he expects to be a long tenure aimed at winning championships and shattering records.
Nevertheless, Ferrari’s technical choices, particularly changes to the front suspension design, have not delivered the expected competitive edge this year. Coupled with Hamilton’s own challenges in adapting early on, media criticism has grown louder, fueling controversy over Vasseur’s role.
Hamilton Calls for Patience and Long-Term Commitment
Hamilton has stressed that integrating new personnel, whether drivers, engineers, or management, requires time for adjustments to take full effect. Looking ahead, he highlighted the importance of maintaining stability as Formula 1 prepares for major regulatory changes in 2026.
He stated,
“I mean, embedding new people, new personnel – whether it’s a driver or whether it’s engineers or people who run an organisation – it takes time to adjust, and the impact that has is significant.”
Hamilton affirmed,
“So, yeah, that’s not part of the discussion. I’m here to win with Fred, and he has my full support.”
He also addressed false rumors about his own future, declaring,
“To everyone that’s writing stories of me considering not racing, I literally only just started, my first year here with Ferrari and I’m here for several years. I’m here for the long haul. So there is no question about where my head is at and what I’m working towards achieving with this team. So there’s zero doubts. So please stop making up stuff.”
Looking Ahead: Stability or Change at Ferrari?
As Ferrari navigates a challenging phase in the 2024 season, the weight of expectations combined with fierce competition places increased pressure on leadership and technical teams alike. Hamilton’s vocal support for Vasseur suggests a desire for continuity as the team aims to regain its winning form.
With three critical Grands Prix approaching, the outcome of these races may provide further clarity on Ferrari’s direction, but for now, Vasseur retains the backing of one of Formula 1’s most accomplished drivers. The team’s ability to adapt to upcoming regulations and maintain focus could define its success in the seasons ahead.
