Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has acknowledged the significant challenges encountered in his inaugural season with the team, particularly regarding the performance of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. This year marked Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari, yet it quickly transformed from a hopeful pursuit of victories into what Hamilton described as a “nightmare.” For the first time in his illustrious 19-year career, Hamilton completed a season without securing a podium finish, and he was outqualified by teammate Charles Leclerc 19 times to five.
Vasseur emphasized that Hamilton’s struggles were often due to narrow margins, but he admitted the obstacles were greater than he initially anticipated. “I think it was difficult for Lewis, and it’s too small a word probably,” Vasseur said. He noted that Hamilton’s two-decade tenure with Mercedes created a substantial adjustment period. “After 20 years, it was a huge change,” he added, referring to Hamilton’s previous success with McLaren and Mercedes.
The team principal highlighted the various factors contributing to Hamilton’s difficulties. “It’s not just about the food or the weather; every single software, every component is different,” Vasseur stated. “If you are not on top of everything, you leave a couple of hundredths of seconds on the table. In today’s competitive field, that can be the difference between finishing in the top five or outside of it.”
Vasseur pointed out that during the recent season, there were instances, such as in Abu Dhabi, where just one-tenth of a second separated competitors in the qualifying rounds from positions five to fifteen. “We were not in full control of every single detail and package, and we lost a bit of the path of the season like this,” he explained.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Vasseur believes that improvement must come from both Hamilton and the Ferrari team. “I think it has to come from everywhere,” he remarked. “The mindset of the team and of the driver has to be that we need to do a better job in every aspect.”
He elaborated that it is not merely about isolated components but about addressing multiple small issues that collectively hinder performance. “When you are three tenths behind someone, it’s not that they have a magic bullet,” Vasseur noted. “Often, it’s that there are ten areas where you are three hundredths slower. We have to tackle each point one by one.”
Vasseur also emphasized the importance of building a stronger relationship between Hamilton and the team over time. This understanding is something Leclerc has developed over his seven years with Ferrari. “Honestly, it’s also a matter of mindset, a matter of understanding each other,” Vasseur said. He acknowledged that the relationship with Hamilton is still developing, emphasizing the need to comprehend what Hamilton requires from the team and vice versa.
As Ferrari looks to the future, the emphasis on collaboration and improvement suggests that both the team and Hamilton are gearing up for a more competitive performance in 2026. The challenges faced this year may serve as a critical learning experience, paving the way for a stronger partnership and enhanced results on the track.
