Hamilton's Ferrari Frustration: Vasseur Downplays Star's Bleak Outlook

Lewis Hamilton's candid comments about his "terrible season" and lack of enthusiasm for 2026 after a disappointing Las Vegas GP have sent ripples through Ferrari. Despite a climb from last to eighth, Hamilton expressed deep frustration, prompting Team Principal Fred Vasseur to try and calm the waters.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's public display of discontent, particularly concerning the upcoming 2026 season, signals a deeper malaise within Ferrari and raises questions about his long-term commitment. For a team that has struggled for consistent championship contention, retaining the motivation of a seven-time world champion is paramount. His words highlight the pressure on Ferrari to deliver a competitive package under the new regulations, especially as their highly anticipated partnership with Hamilton approaches.

The Details:

• Following a recovery drive from 20th to 8th in Las Vegas (after McLaren's disqualification), Hamilton described his season as his "worst ever," stating, "I feel terrible." He added, "It's a dreadful result from which I can take nothing positive. I'm glad when it's over, and I'm not looking forward to what comes next."
• When asked if he meant the next race or 2026, he clarified, "Next season."
• Alarm Bell for Ferrari: Hamilton's skepticism about 2026, a year often seen as a reset opportunity with new regulations, is a significant concern for Ferrari. It hints at potential disillusionment before his contract even officially begins with the Scuderia.
• Vasseur's Response: Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur immediately sought to temper Hamilton's remarks, stating, "I can understand Lewis's reaction immediately after the race, but we just need to calm down, talk, and focus on the next two races."
• Downplaying Frustration: Vasseur emphasized that frustration after a tenth-place finish is normal for top drivers and that he would be concerned if there wasn't frustration. He suggested that Ferrari's issues are often due to a failure to execute clean weekends, rather than purely car performance, citing qualifying errors, penalties, and incidents.
• Valuing Honesty: Vasseur defended Hamilton's candor, preferring direct feedback over "empty phrases." He stressed that the most important thing is not what drivers say in the TV zone but what they do "on Monday morning to push the team."

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's recent struggles extend beyond car performance, encompassing operational inefficiencies, strategic missteps, and a lack of consistency. Despite Vasseur's attempts to deflect blame, Hamilton's comments suggest a growing lack of confidence in the team's ability to turn things around. The "dream marriage" of Hamilton and Ferrari, once a source of immense excitement, appears fraught with challenges even before it officially begins. The upcoming season will be crucial for Ferrari to demonstrate tangible progress and restore faith, both internally and externally.

What's next:

Ferrari faces a critical period to address Hamilton's concerns and ensure their highly anticipated 2025 partnership starts on a positive note. The team must not only improve its car but also refine its operational execution. If the underlying frustrations are not addressed, the future of this high-profile collaboration could be rocky. The focus now shifts to delivering strong performances in the remaining races and demonstrating a clear path to competitiveness in 2025 and under the new 2026 regulations.