Ferrari’s quest to reignite Lewis Hamilton’s podium prospects in Formula 1 is fraught with challenges, as revealed by team principal Fred Vasseur. The racing titan’s current season with Ferrari has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with the latest dip occurring in Belgium, where a series of setbacks stymied his progress.
In a race weekend marred by unforced errors, Hamilton’s hopes were dashed by a spin at the Bus Stop chicane and a track limits violation at Raidillon, leading to consecutive Q1 eliminations. Despite these hurdles, Hamilton showcased his tenacity with a remarkable drive in the Grand Prix, clawing his way to a seventh-place finish. Ferrari’s strategic decision to switch to a more loaded rear wing proved advantageous in the rain, enabling Hamilton to execute daring overtakes.
The race truly turned in Hamilton’s favor on Lap 11 when a crucial switch to slick tires catapulted him up seven positions. Vasseur highlighted this pivotal moment, emphasizing that the decision to abandon the Intermediates was a collaborative effort within the team. “For sure, when you are in this situation you have to gamble a little bit,” Vasseur told the media. He explained that the degradation of the Intermediates was severe, and the transition was a necessary gamble that paid off.
Vasseur dismissed any notion of internal division, stating, “Don’t try to split the team and the drivers; it’s always a collective decision.” While Hamilton’s seventh-place finish was commendable, it paled in comparison to teammate Charles Leclerc’s podium achievement, leaving Hamilton with mixed feelings about the weekend’s outcome.
The responsibility for turning around Hamilton’s fortunes does not rest solely on his shoulders. Vasseur stressed the importance of minimizing errors that compromise either driver’s performance. “The mood is good,” Vasseur insisted. “For sure it’s not the result that we were expecting with Lewis… But I think it’s part of the life of a racing team that we reacted collectively very well today.”
Hamilton’s aggressive drive in challenging conditions demonstrated his resilience, and Vasseur acknowledged the team’s need for a more flawless execution from the start. “Now, for sure, we have to do a better job. From the beginning, if you want to score podiums or wins, you can’t let one session away,” Vasseur asserted, signaling a determined push for improvement.
As Ferrari gears up for the next race, the emphasis is on cohesion and precision, with the entire team committed to propelling Hamilton back onto the podium. The road ahead promises intense competition, and Ferrari is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory.
