Fred Vasseur: Ferrari to Investigate Car After Lewis Hamilton's Dutch GP Crash

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is defending Lewis Hamilton after his crash at the Dutch Grand Prix, confirming an investigation into the car. Despite the DNF, both remain optimistic for Monza.

Why it matters

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has publicly supported Lewis Hamilton following his retirement from the Dutch Grand Prix. Vasseur also confirmed that the team would investigate the car to rule out any mechanical fault contributing to the incident, while maintaining optimism for the upcoming race in Monza.

The details

• Hamilton's race ended prematurely at Turn 3 when he lost traction on a damp patch of paint on the banked corner, sliding into the barriers and causing race-ending damage to the front of his car.
• Vasseur defended his driver's performance throughout the weekend, stating that Hamilton's "contribution was very good" despite the DNF.
• He dismissed the idea that a lack of confidence in the SF-25 was the cause, explaining that the conditions were "a bit of a special one" due to a damp track.
• Ferrari will "investigate if something happened on the car," though Vasseur admitted he doesn't believe it was the primary cause.
• Vasseur highlighted Hamilton's strong pace, noting he was matching Charles Leclerc, catching George Russell, and fighting with him. He described it as a "good recovery" following two challenging races before the summer break.

The big picture

Despite Hamilton describing his Friday practice session as his "worst Friday of the last three years," Vasseur was pleased with his Sunday performance and improved mindset. He noted Hamilton was only a tenth off Charles Leclerc in Q3, emphasizing the need to consider the season average.

What's next

Post-race, Hamilton was reportedly "much more positive than the last four or five events." He is expected to build on the positive aspects of his pace and fighting spirit from the Dutch Grand Prix as he looks ahead to Monza.