Despite a lackluster start to Lewis Hamilton’s debut Formula 1 weekend with Ferrari, team chief Frederic Vasseur remains unfazed, expressing confidence in the British racing star’s ability to bounce back.
Heading into the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton had been candid about his realistic expectations, acknowledging the challenges of a “transition period” at Ferrari. Indeed, Hamilton’s move to the Italian racing giant marked one of the most significant team changes among ten drivers in 2025. Yet, unlike his peers, Hamilton was absent from the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December.
To counterbalance this, Ferrari facilitated multiple sessions with previous-spec cars during the pre-season. This was a strategic move to familiarize Hamilton with his new environment – the Ferrari garage and cockpit. Vasseur emphasized the importance of this phase, even though it could not replicate the conditions of an actual race weekend.
The goal is not about reaching peak performance in one session or displaying speed, Vasseur stated in a media briefing. Instead, the focus is on Hamilton getting to know his team members, understanding the software, processes, and systems. He compared Ferrari’s practices to Mercedes, noting that while the methods might be named or utilized differently, the learning curve was basically the same.
Hamilton’s initial foray into competitive racing with Ferrari was a modest one, placing 12th overall at the Albert Park Circuit. He trailed behind fellow Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who secured the third spot. Hamilton also reported issues with late turning in the SF-25 during FP1.
Despite these early setbacks, Vasseur remains unworried. He dismissed the notion of drawing conclusions from a single session and expressed absolute confidence in Hamilton’s ability to perform, and perform soon. Drawing parallels with Carlos Sainz’s victory last year, where he started from the eighth or ninth position in free practice, Vasseur sees potential in Hamilton’s current standing.
In conclusion, while Hamilton’s initial performance with Ferrari may have been underwhelming, the team remains optimistic about his potential. As Hamilton navigates through the learning process, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see how this seven-time F1 champion will fare in his new racing environment.
