Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has called for composure amid mounting scrutiny over Lewis Hamilton’s challenging debut season with the Scuderia. Following a disappointing qualifying session at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where Hamilton started 12th, Vasseur emphasized the need to avoid overreacting to individual race outcomes. “We have to stop this where if Lewis has a good weekend everything is perfect or if it’s not a good weekend, everything is a disaster,” Vasseur stated, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective as the team works towards consistent improvements.
Despite the qualifying setback, Hamilton showcased resilience by finishing fourth in the race, marking his best result in a main Grand Prix this season. This performance, coupled with his earlier sprint race victory in China, indicates a growing synergy between Hamilton and the SF-25 car. Vasseur acknowledged the team’s strategic execution and race pace, noting that better qualifying positions could lead to even stronger finishes.
Hamilton has expressed that this season is foundational, focusing on adapting to Ferrari’s environment and contributing to the team’s long-term development. He emphasized the importance of building relationships within the team and understanding the car’s dynamics to enhance performance in future races.
The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix highlighted Ferrari’s ongoing challenges with qualifying performance, as both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc failed to reach Q3. Vasseur pointed out the discrepancy between the team’s qualifying and race pace, stressing the need to improve single-lap performance to capitalize on the car’s competitiveness during races.
Amid these challenges, Hamilton’s rapport with the Ferrari fanbase, the Tifosi, remains strong. His efforts to engage with fans and integrate into the team’s culture have been well-received, fostering a supportive atmosphere as he navigates this transitional period.
As the season progresses, Ferrari aims to address the SF-25’s qualifying limitations while leveraging its race-day strengths. Vasseur’s call for calm reflects a strategic approach to development, focusing on consistent progress rather than reacting to individual race results. With a foundation being laid this season, both Hamilton and Ferrari are working towards achieving greater success in the near future.