Ferrari Challenges Hamilton's Downbeat Assessment of Vegas Performance
Ferrari's Frederic Vasseur challenged Lewis Hamilton's downbeat assessment of his Las Vegas performance, arguing that recent setbacks stem more from operational execution and 'unclean' weekends rather than a fundamental lack of pace. Vasseur believes that with a more cohesive approach, Hamilton's inherent speed can still yield strong results, highlighting a key area for improvement as the team looks ahead to its future with the seven-time champion.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has countered Lewis Hamilton's pessimistic view of his performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, suggesting that recent poor results are more due to operational execution than a fundamental lack of performance. While acknowledging the need for overall improvement, Vasseur believes Hamilton's speed is still evident and that a cleaner weekend approach is key.
Why it matters:
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025 is one of Formula 1's most anticipated transfers. Vasseur's comments highlight a crucial point of alignment (or divergence) between the team and its future star regarding performance assessment. Understanding Ferrari's perspective on what constitutes 'poor performance' for Hamilton, and how they plan to address it, offers insight into their strategy for challenging for championships and leveraging Hamilton's experience.
The details:
- Vasseur's Rebuttal: Frederic Vasseur disagreed with Hamilton's characterization of 2025 as his 'worst-ever season,' pointing to recent races where Hamilton's pace could have led to podiums if not for external factors like penalties.
- Operational Focus: Vasseur emphasized that the issue isn't a complete overhaul of their approach but rather 'putting everything together' and having 'a clean weekend.' He stressed the importance of managing expectations and optimizing track operations.
- Mercedes' Gains: Following the disqualification of both McLarens, Mercedes inherited a double podium, with Kimi Antonelli's recovery aiding their championship position and securing second in the Constructors' standings.
- Ferrari's Slip: In contrast, Ferrari dropped to fourth in the standings, now chasing Red Bull, whose points largely come from Max Verstappen.
- Hamilton's Disappointment: Despite a strong recovery from last place into the points at Las Vegas, Hamilton expressed 'zero satisfaction,' calling it 'a bad weekend' and his tenth-place finish 'the most meaningless' result.
The big picture:
Ferrari's current focus on operational tidiness rather than just raw pace suggests a deeper understanding of the marginal gains needed to win in F1. This philosophy will be critical as they integrate a driver of Hamilton's caliber. His expressed frustration, even with recovery drives, indicates the high standards he holds, which will undoubtedly push Ferrari to excel. The contrasting fortunes with Mercedes underscore the competitive landscape Ferrari must navigate to return to the top.
What's next:
As Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari in 2025, the synergy between his winning mentality and Vasseur's operational strategy will be under intense scrutiny. The team's ability to 'put everything together' and deliver 'clean weekends' will be paramount for unlocking Hamilton's full potential and mounting a serious championship challenge. Addressing these operational nuances will be key to their success in the upcoming seasons.