Fred Vasseur Responds to Hamilton's Las Vegas Despair: 'Let's Calm Down'

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has urged calm after Lewis Hamilton's strong pessimism following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Hamilton, despite gaining nine positions, finished a disappointing 10th after starting from the back row. Vasseur acknowledges Hamilton's frustration but emphasizes the need to focus on upcoming races and internal team discussions over immediate post-race reactions.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's visible frustration in Las Vegas highlights the ongoing challenges at Ferrari this season. With 2025 being a particularly tough year for the seven-time world champion, his despair raises questions about the team's ability to provide a consistently competitive car and manage driver morale, especially as he is significantly behind his teammate Charles Leclerc in the standings. Addressing these concerns is crucial for Ferrari's long-term performance and driver retention.

The Details:

• Hamilton started 19th (due to Yuki Tsunoda's pitlane start) after a disastrous Q1, where he failed to set a lap in wet conditions.
• He finished 10th, gaining nine places, which was later improved to eighth after McLaren's double disqualification.
• Despite the gains, Hamilton expressed extreme negativity, calling it his "worst season ever" and claiming "zero" positives from the weekend.
• This contrasts with his promising pace in Thursday practice, which was undermined by qualifying issues.
• Hamilton is currently sixth in the 2025 standings, yet to achieve a Grand Prix podium, and trails teammate Charles Leclerc by 74 points.
• Vasseur believes Hamilton's immediate post-race comments were influenced by adrenaline and the pressure of instant media interviews, without time to cool down.

Between the lines:

Vasseur's comments suggest a strategic approach to managing driver emotions and public perception. By downplaying the immediate post-race harshness, he aims to shift the focus from public outbursts to constructive internal work. This also protects Hamilton from undue criticism while acknowledging the legitimacy of his frustration, maintaining team unity and direction, rather than letting raw emotions dictate the narrative.

What's next:

Vasseur is focused on the remaining two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, urging the team and drivers to build on the positive pace shown in practice sessions. He emphasizes that the real work happens on Monday mornings, not in immediate TV interviews, stressing the importance of collaboration to improve performance. The team will need to address the reliability and qualifying issues that have plagued Hamilton's season to regain momentum and confidence.