Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has thrown his full support behind Lewis Hamilton, following the seven-time world champion’s disappointing 12th-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Hamilton, still seeking his first podium since his much-anticipated switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, cut a dejected figure after a weekend riddled with struggles. Despite starting 12th, he was unable to make any real progress during the race, while teammate Charles Leclerc, who had secured Ferrari’s first pole of the season, slipped to fourth due to mechanical issues.
The British driver, 40, appeared emotionally drained and was highly critical of his own performance after being knocked out in Q2 on Saturday, even telling reporters the team should “bring in another driver.” His remarks prompted speculation about retirement and concerns over his adjustment to Ferrari’s environment.
However, Vasseur downplayed the alarm, defending Hamilton’s candidness and reaffirming confidence in his ability to bounce back.
“Honestly, he’s frustrated, but not demotivated,” Vasseur said. “He’s demanding, but that’s why he’s a seven-time world champion. These emotional reactions are part of elite sport. Right after a tough qualifying or race, disappointment hits hard. I can understand the frustration, but we’re all feeling it.”
Vasseur also highlighted the narrow margins in qualifying that contributed to Hamilton’s early exit, noting the competitiveness of the field. “He was in front of Charles in Q1 and just a tenth off in Q2. It’s tight. He was stuck in a DRS train during the race, but when in clean air, his pace was strong. He’ll be back.”
Leclerc also defended his teammate, calling Hamilton’s weekend an outlier. “We are one team,” said the Monegasque driver. “It’s been a tough weekend for Lewis, but I have no doubt he’ll come back strong in the second half of the season.”
Currently sixth in the drivers’ championship and yet to reach the podium for Ferrari, Hamilton admitted he’s looking forward to the upcoming Formula 1 summer break before the Dutch Grand Prix resumes action later this month.
“I just need a bit of a break from work,” he said. “We’ll come back stronger.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
