Vasseur still urging patience amid Hamilton’s growing pains

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has once again moved to temper external scrutiny of Lewis Hamilton, calling for perspective as the seven-time world champion continues to adapt to his new environment.

Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season was heralded as a potential game-changer for both team and driver.

However, nine races into the season, with Briton’s win in Hamilton’s integration with the team and the SF-25 car has been fraught with challenges, with the Briton’s win in last March’s Chinese Grand Prix sprint event a rare bright spot.

Adjusting to New Surroundings

Following last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, the debate around Hamilton’s inability to find form in the SF-25 has only intensified.

The Scuderia driver, comprehensively outpaced in Barcelona by teammate Charles Leclerc, appeared particularly dejected after his run to P6 as his curt answers to the media reflected his frustration on the day but also the emotional toll of his struggles.

According to Vasseur, the issue lies in the fine margins of modern F1 — and is a natural part of changing teams.

“It’s about details,” the Frenchman explained in an interview with Italy’s La Stampa.

“We’re talking about hundredths, which in this very balanced F1 can make the difference between a first and a third row, between a good weekend and a less good one.

But they remain details: understanding the car, set-up, communication. It’s normal when you change teams.”

Hamilton's display in at the Circuit de Catalunya highlighted those challenges, as he faded in the final stint — a drop in performance that Vasseur attributed to specific issues rather than a broader failure.

"It's about continuing to work and push together, honestly the collaboration is good,” he added.

“You learn more from difficult moments, from which you come back stronger. In Spain, both cars had a problem in the last stint, Lewis' performance suffered.”

Communication Still a Work In Progress

A key part of Hamilton’s transition lies in building chemistry with his engineers and with race engineer Riccardo Adami in particular.

The duo’s understanding remains a work in progress, and team radio communications have occasionally revealed tension or confusion — particularly in Monaco, where a misjudgment in qualifying cost Hamilton a grid penalty.

Regarding the team’s communication dynamics, Vasseur offered reassurance about the broader picture and Hamilton's integration with the squad.

"The first question to ask is where we can improve and what Lewis expects in terms of information,” he said.

“Team radios don't scare me, certain reactions happen when you go at 300 an hour between the pit walls, the important thing is that the dialogue before and after is constructive. I assure you that there is no conflict."

• Read also: Hamilton apologized to Sky F1’s Brookes for downbeat interview

While Hamilton finds his footing, comparisons with Charles Leclerc have become unavoidable. The Monegasque driver is enjoying one of his most consistent seasons yet, appearing confident and in control both on and off track, despite his car’s equipment’s under-performance.

“I would say yes, his is doing a good job,” Vasseur said of Leclerc. “Compared to the past he has made a good step forward in terms of certainty about what he wants, he is more direct in asking the engineers for what he needs."

Hamilton's early struggles are not unprecedented for a driver adjusting to a new car, team environment, and engineering culture.

Ferrari’s support through Vasseur reflects their long-term belief in the partnership — but the team, and its fans, will be hoping for visible progress soon.

The foundation appears to be solid, even if the results aren’t there yet. For now, Vasseur’s message is clear: the ingredients are there, but the process takes time.

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