Fred Vasseur issues a surprising clarification about Lewis Hamilton's statements from the Hungary Grand Prix. Here's how the team principal reacted to Hamilton's words.
The entire Formula 1 paddock was in uproar due to Lewis Hamilton’s comments. The Ferrari driver was absolutely underwhelmed by his disappointing performance in Hungary. Hamilton has set the most track records at the Hungary Grand Prix. However, when he was eliminated in Q2 he could not hold back. Hamilton’s words were apparently due to his performance drop in 2025.
To add fuel to the fire Charles Leclerc took pole in Hungary and was looking forward to a win. The seven-time world champion went as far as labelling himself “useless” for the team. As a matter of fact, Hamilton is working with the team behind the scenes. He is helping the team with regular factory visits and multiple suggestions to bring positive changes. His statements did not go well with Fred Vasseur who labels it as overreaction to the issues he is facing.
Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton are no strangers. Vasseur was Hamilton’s team principal in Formula 2 during his title winning campaign. Formula 1 experts assume that Hamilton’s entry to Ferrari is owing to his title winning stint with Fred Vasseur in Formula 2.
As such, Vasseur has been Hamilton’s greatest support in the 2025 campaign. The Ferrari team principal is providing the Briton all the backing he needs in order to bring success to himself and the team. However, he did not like the recent statements issues by Hamilton.
When Vasseur was asked about Hamilton’s comments post Hungary Grand Prix, he was rather nonchalant-
“Stay calm. Build on the fact that he has already taken the first step. Don’t let things like what happened in Budapest get you down. Lewis is very self-critical. He is always extreme in his reactions. Sometimes he is too hard on the car, sometimes on himself. He wants to get the most out of himself and everyone in the team.
“You have to calm him down and explain to him that in Q2 he was only a tenth of a second behind the driver who later took pole position. That’s no big deal. The message he sends out only makes things worse. Most of the time, he’s only that extreme with the press. By the time he comes into the briefing room, he’s usually calmed down again. That’s just his way.
Fred Vasseur also mentions that he does not mind Hamilton’s comments. He is confident and happy about Lewis Hamilton’s sincere work ethic.
“For me, it’s no big deal. He demands a lot. From others, but also from himself. I can live with that. Nico Hulkenberg was the same when he drove for me in Formula 3. He demanded an awful lot from the team, but he was also there every morning at 6.30 a.m.”
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