Fred Vasseur has taken the side of Lewis Hamilton in the debate surrounding George Russell’s performance. The move of Hamilton to Ferrari in 2025 has been a significant topic of discussion. While Hamilton has achieved success at Mercedes with two race victories, he has also been outperformed by Russell on several occasions. However, Ferrari’s boss, Vasseur, has expressed his support for Hamilton in the midst of this debate.
Mercedes made a strong comeback during the 2024 season, securing three race wins. Many believed that Russell was outperforming Hamilton during this time. However, Hamilton currently holds a higher position than Russell in the championship standings, with a 34-point lead.
Vasseur acknowledged that there was a general belief that Russell was faster than Hamilton at the beginning of the season. However, he emphasized that Hamilton was contributing the most points to the team, making his performance efficient and valuable.
Although Ferrari had a strong start to the season, winning two races, they have faced challenges in terms of pace and chassis performance. This puts them at risk of being overtaken by Hamilton and Mercedes as the season progresses. Vasseur expressed his concerns about the team’s recent struggles.
Regarding Russell’s performance, Vasseur acknowledged that the 26-year-old had encountered some issues. However, he admitted that the team may have overreacted to these problems. As a result, they plan to reevaluate their upgrade trajectory and try to regain their previous form.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari will bring about exciting possibilities for the upcoming season. The team could potentially compete with the dominant McLaren and Red Bull. Therefore, the next few races will be crucial in their battle against Mercedes.