After nine Grand Prix races, Ferrari is lacking competitiveness. Granted, the team is second in the constructors’ championship, but drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have also been regularly beaten by McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes. Consequently, rumors are circulating that team boss Fred Vasseur may need to fear for his future within the team. Lewis Hamilton, who owes his contract with the Scuderia in part to Vasseur, has expressed his support for the Frenchman.
On Thursday, the Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Vasseur has three more Grand Prix races to prove he is suitable for the role of team boss. His current contract expires at the end of the year, and the Ferrari top brass are not yet convinced of an extension. In recent weeks, Vasseur has seemed somewhat indifferent, even when Ferrari’s performance was disappointing. For instance, he downplayed the gap to teams like McLaren, but did not give the impression that the problems would be quickly resolved.
During a FIA press conference, Lewis Hamilton was confronted with rumors about a possible departure of Vasseur. “That’s absolutely not nice to hear,” the Englishman responded. “I enjoy working with Fred (Vasseur). He is also the reason I get to drive for this team, and I am very grateful to him for that.” Hamilton and Vasseur have worked together in the past in the junior classes. Vasseur was appointed as Ferrari’s team boss in 2023 and played a key role in bringing Hamilton on board.
‘No Doubts About My Ambitions’
“We work well together,” the 40-year-old driver confirmed once again, “and a lot is happening behind the scenes. But I do want Fred to stay with this team. I am convinced that he can lead us to the top. Of course, there is pressure on us – we all want to win – but that takes time. Especially when you have to integrate new staff and new drivers. Again, I am here to win with Fred Vasseur. I fully support him.”
Due to his disappointing start to the season, rumors are circulating that Lando Norris might be considering early retirement. Now that he is also increasingly involved in film production and fashion design, the question arises as to how long he will remain in Formula 1. “I have just started with this team,” Hamilton declared emphatically. “Moreover, I am here for the long term. I have no doubts about what I want to achieve with this team.”
