Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur Unleashes Bold Defense Amidst Hamilton-Leclerc Struggles
In a stunning revelation, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has set the record straight on the tumultuous 2025 season, expressing his candid belief that he would be “destroyed” if Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were to praise the team’s performance. After a year that saw the legendary Scuderia finish without a single victory for the first time since 2021, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the iconic racing brand.
The 2025 season began with soaring aspirations at Maranello. Ferrari had just come off a narrow defeat to McLaren in 2024, finishing a mere 14 points behind. With the signing of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, hopes were alive that Ferrari could clinch its first title since 2008. However, the reality was starkly different as the season unfolded. The team plummeted to fourth in the constructors’ standings, a staggering 435 points adrift of McLaren. Hamilton, in his debut season with Ferrari, faced an unprecedented challenge, failing to secure a podium finish for the first time in his illustrious career, aside from a win in the China Sprint and a third-place finish in the Miami race.
Reflecting on the disheartening season, Vasseur passionately defended the team’s efforts, emphasizing that constructive criticism is the lifeblood of improvement. “I would be destroyed if I had the drivers telling me that we are doing a good job,” he asserted to the media, including RacingNews365. He elaborated on the relentless drive for excellence that both he and his drivers embody. “Their DNA, and my DNA, is to try and push the team to do a better job. They have to come to us, Charles and Lewis, not just one of them; both of them need to push us to the limit in every single area.”
Vasseur made it clear that while the team has plenty of room for growth, the competitive spirit within Ferrari is alive and well. “For sure we can improve everywhere,” he stated, recalling how both drivers were fiercely engaged, pushing for enhancements even until the very last corner of races. “This is their DNA and I’m not shocked at all when they are coming to me and saying: ‘Fred, we have to improve on this, this, this and this,’ because that is what we’re asking them to do.”
Moreover, Vasseur addressed misconceptions swirling in the media regarding driver feedback. He dismissed claims that there were instances of drivers reporting a lack of communication, stating, “Honestly, this is a bit naive because we have reports from the drivers every single race.” He emphasized that the dialogue is ongoing and that the drivers are continually involved in the quest for improvement, underscoring the commitment to excellence that is the hallmark of Ferrari’s storied legacy.
As Ferrari looks to rebound from this challenging season, the pressure is palpable. Fans and critics alike are eager to see if Vasseur’s staunch defense and the relentless ambition of Hamilton and Leclerc can steer the Scuderia back to the forefront of Formula 1 racing. With the next season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Maranello to witness how they respond to adversity and reignite their championship aspirations. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but if Vasseur’s words resonate, Ferrari is gearing up for a fierce comeback.
