Lewis Hamilton Set to Lead Ferrari Despite Recent Inconsistencies
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is exuding confidence as Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton prepares to join the Scuderia in 2025. While Hamilton’s recent performances have raised eyebrows, with the seven-time world champion admitting in Qatar, “I’m definitely not fast anymore,” Vasseur remains unfazed.
“Not at all,” Vasseur said when asked about concerns over Hamilton’s form. “Have a look at the 50 laps he did in Vegas. Starting P10, finishing on the gearbox of Russell—I’m not worried at all.”
Ferrari’s Bold Bet on Hamilton
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari signals a seismic shift in F1’s landscape, as the Briton replaces Carlos Sainz for the 2025 season. Despite flashes of brilliance, including victories at Silverstone and Belgium, Hamilton’s year has been marred by inconsistency. Yet, Ferrari’s faith in his experience and racecraft is unwavering.
Vasseur’s reassurance underscores Ferrari’s belief that Hamilton can provide the leadership and skill needed to end their championship drought. Hamilton’s arrival marks the team’s most significant driver acquisition in years, aiming to return Ferrari to its former glory.
Ferrari’s Immediate Focus: Constructors’ Battle
Before Hamilton’s highly anticipated debut, Ferrari has its eyes set on a fierce fight with McLaren in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. Currently trailing McLaren by 20 points, Vasseur is urging the team to stay focused and maximize its potential in the final races of the season.
“We’re still scoring more points than McLaren,” Vasseur said. “We are still alive for the championship. Charles [Leclerc] is not far from Norris in the drivers’ standings. Overall, it’s a good result.”
The Game Plan for the Final Stretch
Vasseur outlined Ferrari’s strategy for the season’s remaining races, emphasizing internal focus rather than reacting to rivals’ performances.
“The most important thing is to focus on ourselves,” Vasseur explained. “We’ve proven we can achieve one-two finishes during the season. If we can do that, we’ll see how the championship unfolds.”
Despite trailing McLaren, Ferrari remains optimistic about the upcoming circuits, which Vasseur believes will favor their car. “On paper, the next one is probably a bit better for us,” he added.
Hamilton’s Potential for 2025
Hamilton’s pending arrival at Ferrari represents more than just a driver switch—it’s a symbolic partnership between an F1 legend and the sport’s most iconic team. His wealth of experience, coupled with Ferrari’s improving performance, could make the Scuderia serious contenders in 2025.
While Hamilton himself has voiced doubts about his current form, Vasseur’s confidence in his future star driver remains steadfast. The Frenchman dismissed Qatar’s disappointment as an outlier, focusing instead on Hamilton’s ability to deliver under pressure, as demonstrated in Las Vegas and throughout his illustrious career.
Ferrari’s Path Forward
For Ferrari, the final races of 2024 are critical not just for the constructors’ fight but for building momentum heading into a transformative 2025. Vasseur’s leadership and Hamilton’s arrival provide a powerful narrative for a team eager to reclaim its dominance in Formula 1.
