Vasseur Admits Ferrari Underestimated Hamilton's Transition Struggles
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur admits the team underestimated how difficult Lewis Hamilton's transition from Mercedes would be, citing differences in culture, software, and personnel that impacted his 2025 performance. He pointed to extremely tight qualifying margins that highlighted any lack of total comfort with the car.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has conceded the team underestimated the monumental challenge Lewis Hamilton faced in adapting from Mercedes, contributing to the seven-time champion's difficult 2025 season. Vasseur highlighted that the differences in team culture, software, and personnel created a steeper learning curve than anticipated, with fine margins in qualifying often leaving Hamilton on the wrong side of the cut line.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's move to Ferrari was the most anticipated driver transfer in a generation, carrying immense pressure for immediate success. Vasseur's candid admission reveals that even a top team can misjudge the complexity of integrating a legendary driver from a rival's deeply ingrained system. This analysis provides crucial context for Hamilton's performance and sets expectations for a critical second year of collaboration at Maranello.
The details:
- Vasseur stated the team "personally underestimated the step" from Mercedes, emphasizing it's not about doing things better or worse, but differently in every aspect, from software to team personnel.
- The fine competitive margins of the 2025 season magnified any adaptation issues. Vasseur cited examples from Abu Dhabi and Hungary, where being a few hundredths off in Q2 meant elimination, while teammate Charles Leclerc, comfortable in the car, could fight for pole.
- He stressed this is not an excuse, but an explanation of the "details" that define modern F1, admitting the team likely underestimated the "change of culture, the change of people around him, the change of everything."
- Despite a tough season, Vasseur noted collaboration and understanding improved in the final part of the championship, a silver lining for 2026.
What's next:
The spotlight now turns to Hamilton's second season with Ferrari. The foundation built through a year of struggle must translate into on-track performance. With the team now fully aware of the integration challenges, the pressure will be on to provide Hamilton with a car and environment where he can consistently challenge at the front, leaving the unwanted records of 2025 firmly in the past.