NEW DELHI: Ferrari backs Hamilton amid F1 2025 struggles that began with unexpected challenges. Team principal Fred Vasseur has made it clear that the team fully supports the seven-time World Champion. He strongly dismissed criticism and reports suggesting that Hamiltonโs performance has significantly declined, calling such claims โf**ing bullshit.โ*
Hamiltonโs highly anticipated move from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories of the F1 off-season. But after five rounds in the 2025 calendar, Hamilton has struggled to deliver results on race day. His best finish so far is fifth, and he came a distant seventh in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc โ who secured a podium โ by over 30 seconds.
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The only highlight in Hamiltonโs campaign so far came during the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race, where he claimed victory. However, that momentum didnโt last long as he was disqualified from the main race the next day. The 40-year-old has voiced his frustration, saying:
โI need a brain transplant to figure this car out. I know the fans arenโt happy. Iโm sure the team are not happy. I know the bosses are not happy. And Iโm not happy with my results.โ
โI Will Be 2,000% Behind Himโ: Vasseur Fires Back
In Jeddah, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur came to Hamiltonโs defence, insisting that the British driver still has what it takes to succeed at Ferrari:
โI will be 2,000 per cent behind him. I will give him support and we will start from tomorrow morning to try to find solutions and reasons.โ
โHonestly, I am not too worried. If you look at what he did in China and Bahrain, the potential is there for sure.โ
Vasseur pointed out that the team and Hamilton are currently struggling with the balance of the SF-25 car and tyre performance, but he believes progress is within reach.
โItโs Competition, Not a Crisisโ: Calm from the Ferrari Camp
Vasseur was clearly irritated by media suggestions that Hamiltonโs performance has dropped off a cliff:
โItโs not dramatically. We did five races so farโฆ This is fing bullt.โ
โYou have ups and downs. When we have ups, we are not World Champions. When we have downs, we are not nowhere. Itโs just competition.โ
Drawing parallels with reigning champion Max Verstappenโs recent dips, Vasseur highlighted the fine margins in todayโs competitive grid:
โHave a look at Max. He finished 30 seconds behind Piastri in Bahrain and then won in Japan. Itโs that tight.โ
โWe have to work step by step and stay calm. I will never be the guy who says we are World Champions or we are nowhere.โ
Vasseur dismissed talk of 2025 being a โtransitional yearโ for Hamilton and instead viewed his disappointment as proof of his winning mindset:
โItโs not a transitional timeโฆ If he was happy with this, it wouldnโt be normal. Heโs a racer, a competitor.โ
Hamilton, who has recently moved to Milan, is expected to visit Ferrariโs Maranello factory this week, cancelling prior personal plans to focus on finding solutions. Leclerc, too, confirmed he will be present at the factory to help the team push forward ahead of the next race in Miami on May 4.
โNow we have to work together to react together. It will be the only way to move forward,โ Vasseur concluded.
