Lewis Hamilton’s Woes at Ferrari: Is He Exaggerating His Problems?
In an explosive revelation, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has boldly suggested that Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, may be “exaggerating the problems he sees” at Ferrari during the tumultuous F1 2025 season. Vasseur’s comments come on the heels of Hamilton’s disheartening performance, which has left fans and experts alike questioning the future of the legendary driver at the iconic Scuderia.
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season has been anything but smooth. With no podium finishes in his first 14 races, the pressure is mounting. The recent Hungarian Grand Prix epitomized his struggles, where he could only muster a dismal 12th on the grid—while teammate Charles Leclerc claimed pole position with ease. Following this setback, Hamilton appeared despondent, labeling himself “useless” and even hinting that perhaps Ferrari should consider parting ways with him.
In a candid discussion, Vasseur acknowledged the myriad of challenges Hamilton faces, but he emphasized that the driver is often “too hard” on both himself and the car. “Lewis is very self-critical,” Vasseur remarked, asserting that Hamilton’s emotional outbursts can exacerbate the situation. He stressed the importance of keeping Hamilton calm, stating, “Stay calm. Build on the fact that he has already taken the first step. Don’t let things like what happened in Budapest get you down.”
The team principal’s insight into Hamilton’s psyche reveals a deeper understanding of the driver’s intense nature. Vasseur noted that Hamilton sometimes reacts “extreme” to setbacks, which can lead to a negative spiral. “The message he sends out only makes things worse,” he warned, illustrating that while Hamilton’s passion is commendable, it can cloud his judgment.
Adding fuel to the fire, a report from Italy has indicated that Hamilton has been struggling with Ferrari’s engine braking system, which is proving to be a significant hurdle in his adaptation. Sources suggest that Hamilton is yet to fully optimize the braking system, leading to a lack of the familiar feel he enjoyed at Mercedes. Vasseur downplayed these concerns, calling them “relatively minor” and asserting that Hamilton might be losing just “half a tenth” per lap due to these issues.
As the narrative unfolds, Vasseur’s frustration with media speculation about his own job security has also surfaced. Following a rocky start to the season, rumors swirled that he might be replaced, creating unnecessary turmoil within the team. “Rumours caused the turmoil. I didn’t spread them, the media did,” he stated, emphasizing how such distractions hindered his ability to focus on the team’s performance.
The emotional landscape at Ferrari is palpable, with Vasseur expressing frustration over media narratives that mischaracterize the team’s situation. He lamented, “Without all this noise, my talks with Ferrari would have gone much faster,” suggesting that the relentless pressure from the media landscape may be complicating matters further.
As the F1 season progresses, all eyes are on Hamilton and Ferrari. Will the legendary driver find his footing, or will the mounting challenges lead to a dramatic split from the team? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the tension is thick, and the stakes have never been higher. Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is far from over, but the question remains—can he overcome the obstacles and silence the critics?
