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Vasseur responds to Hamilton’s 'not fast anymore' concerns ahead of Ferrari arrival
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Fred Vasseur has brushed off any concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s form ahead of his arrival at Ferrari, following on from comments made by the seven-time world champion where he labelled himself as “not fast anymore”.
The 2024 season was one of mixed fortunes and emotions for Hamilton, having arrived into the campaign knowing that it would be his last at Mercedes after announcing his 2025 switch to Ferrari back in February.
The Silver Arrows initially saw their struggles from the previous two seasons continue as the year got under way, but there were signs of progress later on which ultimately led to a memorable win for Hamilton at the British Grand Prix, marking his first victory since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
He followed that up with another triumph in Belgium but seemed to endure a tougher time in the latter stages of the campaign, with the Briton especially critical of his own qualifying performances.
Vasseur has known Hamilton for many years, having worked together at ART Grand Prix during the Briton's GP2 days
Hamilton was particularly downbeat after Sprint Qualifying in Qatar – a session he finished in P7 while team mate George Russell claimed P2 – and went on to comment afterwards: “I’m just slow, and [it’s the] same every weekend.” He also added: “I’m definitely not fast anymore.”
When quizzed on these remarks later in the weekend – and whether it had given him any fears over Hamilton’s form going into 2025 – Vasseur referenced the 39-year-old’s drive from P10 to P2 in the Las Vegas Grand Prix as evidence for why he is not concerned.
“Not at all,” Vasseur responded when asked if he was worried. “Have a look at the 50 laps that he did in Vegas, starting from P10, finishing on the gearbox of Russell – I’m not worried at all.”
Lewis Hamilton signs for Ferrari in 2025
Hamilton will partner with Charles Leclerc at the Scuderia – with Carlos Sainz making way for the British driver – and Vasseur also had words of praise for the Monegasque in terms of how he has developed during 2024.
“I think it’s a good championship that he… at least I can compare with last year, we were quick, it was also the characteristic of the car [that] we were probably quicker in quali and we struggled a lot in the race,” Vasseur reflected.
“If I see a difference it’s also that he’s able to be much more in the management when we need.”
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