Ferrari Finds Silver Lining in Brazilian GP Despite Double DNF, Omitting Hamilton in Positives
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur found positives in Charles Leclerc's performance despite a double DNF at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but notably omitted Lewis Hamilton from any praise. This selective commendation raises questions about Hamilton's current impact on the team, especially as Ferrari slips in the Constructors' Championship and faces financial implications. The situation hints at potential long-term concerns for Hamilton's future at the Scuderia.
Despite a devastating double DNF at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted some positives the team could glean from the challenging weekend. These positives, however, revolved exclusively around Charles Leclerc's performance, with Lewis Hamilton notably absent from Vasseur's praise.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's struggle to find consistent form, coupled with a rare double DNF, puts pressure on the team in the Constructors' Championship. Vasseur's pointed remarks about Leclerc's pace, while omitting Hamilton, could signal growing concerns about Hamilton's integration and performance within the team, especially given his high-profile move and multi-year contract that extends into the critical 2026 regulation changes. The team's standing in the championship, and the significant prize money implications, make every driver's contribution crucial.
The details:
- Ferrari suffered its third non-score of the season at Interlagos, with both SF-25s retiring due to crash damage.
- Charles Leclerc's Incident: Leclerc retired early after being caught in a collision between Oscar Piastri and Kimi Antonelli. He was running third at the time, showcasing strong pace before the unfortunate incident that damaged his front tire and suspension.
- Lewis Hamilton's Incident: Hamilton, starting 13th, fell to 17th after a poor start. He later collided with Franco Colapinto, for which he received a five-second penalty and eventually retired due to extensive floor damage. Vasseur conceded that Hamilton's pace was severely compromised by the damage, losing 35-40 points of downforce.
- Team's Performance: This double retirement follows a double DSQ in China and another double retirement at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking a challenging season for the Scuderia in terms of reliability and incident management.
- Vasseur's Takeaways: Despite the overall disappointment, Vasseur praised Leclerc's "excellent job" and the car's "good pace" on Leclerc's side, pointing to his P3 in qualifying and strong start as positives to build upon.
Between the lines:
Vasseur's repeated emphasis on "at least from Charles' side" regarding pace and positive takeaways could be interpreted as a subtle but significant statement about Hamilton's current form and contribution. With Hamilton's future at Ferrari extending through 2026 and a potential extension into 2027 based on performance, any perceived disparity in pace or contribution between the two drivers could fuel speculation about Ferrari's long-term patience with their star signing, especially as they've slipped to fourth in the Constructors' Championship.
What's next:
Hamilton remains outwardly optimistic, stating his continued belief in the Ferrari project despite the current hardships. However, with a 66-point deficit to Leclerc in the championship standings, Hamilton's performances will be under increasing scrutiny. The team will need both drivers performing optimally to climb back up the Constructors' Championship standings and secure vital prize money, making the resolution of current performance gaps a critical focus for the remainder of the season and into the new regulations of 2026.