Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has admitted that the team overestimated what Lewis Hamilton would achieve in his first season with Ferrari, igniting strong reactions from fans. The British driver’s ongoing Lewis Hamilton Ferrari struggles have become a hot topic after his challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.
At the beginning of this season, expectations were sky-high for Hamilton as he switched from Mercedes to the iconic Scuderia Ferrari. Fans and experts alike anticipated a smooth transition and immediate success. However, after 14 races, Hamilton’s performance has fallen short, as he has struggled to adapt to the SF-25, a car that has not been competitive enough to consistently fight for victories.
While his teammate Charles Leclerc has secured five podium finishes, Hamilton has yet to reach the top three this season. Currently, Hamilton stands in sixth place in the drivers’ championship with 109 points. With Formula 1 on its summer break, Vasseur defended Hamilton in a recent interview with The Race by highlighting the difficulties of adapting to a completely new environment after spending nearly two decades with Mercedes.
“McLaren was Mercedes, and then he moved to Mercedes, an English team based in Brackley, same engine guys, the same culture, and so on. So he spent 2006 to 2024, 18 years, in this environment, and then he arrived at Ferrari. And we were stupidly expecting that he will have everything under control.”
—Fred Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Vasseur’s remarks triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many fans accusing the team of making excuses for Hamilton’s lackluster results. One fan on the social platform X mocked the explanation by saying,
“More excuses than my ex girlfriend.”
—Anonymous Fan
Other comments reflected similar frustration, including blunt remarks like “More excuses.” Some harsher voices suggested that Hamilton himself had overestimated his abilities, one fan stating,
“It’s actually the opposite. He stupidly overestimated his skills.”
—Anonymous Fan
Others questioned Hamilton’s priorities off the track, asking,
“Ask Hamilton to focus on racing only and pause fashion activities?”
—Anonymous Fan
Another critical comment claimed,
“The clown is washed since Max broke him in AD21.”
—Anonymous Fan
The 2025 Formula 1 season is set to resume after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix at the Zandvoort circuit on August 29. Fans and observers will be keenly watching Hamilton’s performance as he tries to overcome ongoing struggles with his Ferrari car.
Mercedes Boss Stands Behind Hamilton’s Potential to Win Again
While criticism mounts, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff remains optimistic about Lewis Hamilton’s future success in Formula 1. Speaking with Racingnewss365, Wolff expressed his belief that Hamilton could still become an eight-time world champion if given the right machinery.
Wolff emphasized that Hamilton’s confidence in his car is crucial for success, stating:
“I think if he has the car underneath him, and has the confidence in that it does what he wants, then yes.”
—Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal
As the Dutch Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can regain his form and challenge the frontrunners once again at one of the season’s most anticipated races.