Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has thrown his full support behind seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton as the British driver navigates a challenging start to the 2025 season with the Scuderia. Vasseur’s emphatic backing, encapsulated in his statement “I’m 2000% behind him,” comes as Hamilton works to adapt to Ferrari’s SF-25 car, which has yet to consistently match the pace of rivals like Red Bull and McLaren.
Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025 after a storied 12-year tenure with Mercedes, has faced scrutiny for inconsistent performances in the opening races. Despite flashes of brilliance—such as leading the Sprint Race in China and outperforming McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in select stints—Hamilton has struggled to fully gel with the SF-25’s setup. Critics have questioned whether the 40-year-old can return to his championship-winning form, but Vasseur remains unwavering in his confidence.
“We support him 2000% and work together to identify the problems and find solutions,” Vasseur said in a recent interview. “You don’t replace 12 years of collaboration in two weeks or two races. Lewis is motivated, and when he smells victory, he comes alive. We’re building something special here.”
Vasseur highlighted Hamilton’s resilience, pointing to his strong recovery in the Chinese Grand Prix after a tough Saturday as evidence of his determination. “I appreciated his reaction on Saturday. I did my best to encourage him, and on Sunday, he was in great shape,” Vasseur noted. He also dismissed suggestions that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was a misstep, emphasizing that the team is focused on long-term progress.
The Ferrari boss also addressed the broader context of Hamilton’s transition, noting that the team knew integrating a driver of Hamilton’s caliber would take time. “Ferrari has been on his mind for who knows how long,” Vasseur said, reflecting on the recruitment process. “It wasn’t difficult to convince him—he comes to win, not on vacation. I’m convinced we have everything to try.”
As Ferrari prepares for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, Vasseur remains optimistic about Hamilton’s trajectory. “We start from tomorrow morning to try to find solutions and reasons and work on it early in the morning,” he said, signaling a proactive approach to addressing the SF-25’s shortcomings. Hamilton, for his part, has expressed a relentless work ethic, stating, “I can’t afford to rest” ahead of the next race.