Hamilton’s speed not in question says Ferrari boss Vasseur

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has dismissed any concerns about Lewis Hamilton's ability to perform at the highest level, despite the seven-time world champion's recent struggles with Mercedes.

Hamilton has faced challenges in extracting maximum performance from the team’s unpredictable W15 car this season and has often been overshadowed by his teammate George Russell.

A tough outing at the Qatar Grand Prix exemplified the Briton’s struggles: Hamilton finished 12th after a jump start, a puncture, and a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pitlane.

On Friday, after finishing a disappointing seventh in Sprint qualifying, Hamilton called it as he saw it: "I'm definitely not fast anymore," he said. A somewhat worrying self-assessment claimed by the Mercedes driver just weeks ahead of his move to Maranello

However, Vasseur sees no cause for alarm, pointing to Hamilton’s standout drives this season as evidence of his enduring talent.

“Not at all,” Vasseur said when asked if he was concerned about Hamilton’s recent form.

“Have a look at the 50 laps that he did in Vegas. Starting P10, finishing on the gearbox of Russell, I’m not worried at all.”

• Read also: Hamilton endures Qatar misery, but ‘it could have been worse’

As Hamilton heads into his final race weekend with Mercedes at Abu Dhabi, emotions are running high within the team. The conclusion of their 12-year partnership marks the end of an era that has delivered unparalleled success, including six drivers’ championships and eight constructors’ titles.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Hamilton’s contributions while acknowledging the difficulties of navigating a transition year.

“To be honest, I think all of us together, Lewis and the team, we’ve done a good job of that,” Wolff said.

“When he took the decision at the beginning of the season to go, we knew it was going to be a bumpy year ahead, and it’s very normal.

“He knows he is going to go somewhere else. We know our future lies with Kimi [Antonelli], and then to go through the ups and downs, and still keep it together between us, I think that is something we have achieved.”

Despite the frustrations of the current campaign, Wolff emphasized that the legacy of their partnership remains untarnished.

“Now you see these very bad races. Clearly, he wears his heart on the sleeve. You express your emotions, and that’s absolutely allowed. It’s okay,” he said.

“But nothing is going to take away 12 incredible years with eight constructors’ and six drivers’ championships. And that is what will be in the memory.

“After next Sunday, we’re going to look back at this great period of time rather than a season of races that were particularly bad. We will stay with the good memories.”

Hamilton’s impending arrival at Ferrari represents a significant shift for both the driver and the team. With Charles Leclerc as his future teammate, the Scuderia will hope that the pairing can propel them to championship contention in 2025.

For Vasseur, Hamilton’s recent struggles do little to diminish the excitement of what’s to come. His confidence in the seven-time champion remains steadfast, with Ferrari betting that Hamilton’s experience and determination will make him a crucial component of their resurgence.

As Hamilton bids farewell to Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, both teams will look to close the chapter on a remarkable partnership while opening a new one full of promise and potential.

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