Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has candidly acknowledged a significant oversight regarding Lewis Hamilton’s transition to the iconic Italian team, admitting that both he and the seven-time world champion “stupidly” underestimated the monumental challenges that lay ahead. Hamilton’s highly publicized move to Ferrari at the onset of the 2025 season has not gone as planned, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the future of this once-dominant driver who spent over a decade at Mercedes.
As the dust settles on the first half of the season, Hamilton finds himself languishing in sixth place in the drivers’ standings, a far cry from the podium finishes that have defined his illustrious career. With just 14 of the 24 races completed, the Brit has yet to stand on the podium, a shocking statistic that has sent shockwaves through the F1 community. His struggles reached a new emotional nadir during the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, where he described himself as “useless” following a disappointing qualifying session that saw him start from 12th, while teammate Charles Leclerc shone brightly by claiming pole position—an illustration of the stark contrast in their performances this season.
Vasseur reflected on this tumultuous transition, stating, “Lewis and I, we collectively, probably underestimated the change of environment,” emphasizing that Hamilton’s lengthy tenure at Mercedes, which began in 2013 after six years with McLaren, created a comfort zone that was difficult to dismantle. The team principal noted the cultural differences between Ferrari and Mercedes, highlighting how Hamilton had been entrenched in a familiar environment for nearly two decades. “McLaren was Mercedes, and then he moved to Mercedes, an English team [based in Brackley], same engine guys, that same culture and so on,” Vasseur elaborated. The expectation that Hamilton would seamlessly adapt to Ferrari’s unique environment was misguided.
Before the summer break, Hamilton himself expressed the emotional toll of his struggles, admitting that he anticipated “some tears” as he processed the onset of a “real battle” at Ferrari. In a bid to turn the tide, he has actively engaged in discussions with Ferrari’s leadership, striving to lay the groundwork for a brighter future as he gears up for the 2026 season.
While Hamilton has experienced fleeting moments of success, including a Sprint pole and a victory in the early season race in China, these highlights have been overshadowed by his difficulty in mastering the SF-25 car. Vasseur pointed out that Hamilton’s adjustment may be particularly challenging compared to the previous Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, who is accustomed to team changes and the accompanying pressures. “He’s not the guy who changed team every two years,” Vasseur remarked, noting how Sainz has adapted to various teams throughout his career, contrasting sharply with Hamilton’s long-standing stability.
As the Formula 1 world gears up for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort from August 29-31, all eyes will be on Hamilton. Will he rise to the occasion and reclaim his status as a formidable contender, or will the challenges of adapting to Ferrari prove to be an insurmountable hurdle? The anticipation is palpable, and the stakes could not be higher.
