Ferrari Boss Vasseur Reflects on ‘Stupid’ Expectations for Hamilton's Transition
Ferrari Boss Fred Vasseur Admits ‘Stupid’ Expectations in Lewis Hamilton's Transition to Ferrari
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has openly admitted he and Lewis Hamilton underestimated the challenges involved in Hamilton’s high-profile switch to Ferrari for the 2023 Formula 1 season. As one of Formula 1’s most successful drivers, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was highly anticipated, but the seven-time world champion has yet to deliver a podium finish—a reality that has tempered the excitement surrounding his record-breaking four-year contract, worth £60 million ($81 million) annually.
Struggles Continue for Hamilton After Move to Ferrari
Speaking after an underwhelming Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari’s performance, suggesting that driver changes might even be necessary. "[Hamilton] probably need[s] to change driver," the Englishman stated, adding that “there’s a lot going on in the background… That’s not great.”
Vasseur, the architect of Hamilton’s controversial departure from Mercedes, stood by his new recruit, emphasizing the sheer scale of adjustment involved. "Lewis and I, we collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment and the fact that he spent, for me, 20 years in the same team," Vasseur explained in an interview with The Race.
Hamilton spent 18 years in a familiar technical ecosystem, first at McLaren and then at Mercedes: both teams featured intertwined cultures and consistent engineering philosophies. "McLaren was Mercedes, and then he moved to Mercedes: an English team [a German company which operates out of England], same engine guys, that same culture and so on. And then he arrived at Ferrari. We were stupidly expecting that he will have everything under control," Vasseur added.
Ferrari's Struggles in Formula 1 2023 Season
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has highlighted broader team challenges. While teammate Charles Leclerc has managed to secure five podium finishes this season, Hamilton continues to languish behind, leaving fans to speculate if Ferrari can deliver a competitive car capable of matching Red Bull Racing’s dominance this year.
Despite these struggles, Hamilton has made his long-term intentions clear, stating that his focus remains firmly on 2024—when new Formula 1 regulations promise significant technical changes. The sweeping car design overhaul may allow Ferrari to reset and provide a more level playing field for the Scuderia to compete at the top.
Long-Term Goals and Hamilton’s Legacy
From the beginning of his Ferrari tenure, Hamilton appeared realistic about 2023’s ups and downs, acknowledging that challenging for the World Drivers’ Championship would have to wait until 2024. With a record-breaking career—including the most wins in Formula 1 history—Hamilton remains one of the all-time greats. However, his struggles to adapt to Ferrari’s unique technical and cultural environment are raising questions about whether this partnership can ultimately succeed.
As Fred Vasseur and Ferrari navigate team dynamics and prepare for next year’s regulation changes, the motorsport world is eager to see if Hamilton’s gamble will pay off—or if Ferrari’s struggles will persist. For now, Hamilton’s first season at Ferrari remains a story of challenges, as fans speculate whether the Englishman can drive Ferrari back to the top of Formula 1’s highly competitive landscape.
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