Fred Vasseur's Ferrari Job at Risk Over Hamilton Signing, Analyst Claims

Former F1 driver Derek Daly asserts that Fred Vasseur's tenure as Ferrari Team Principal could be jeopardized by his decision to sign Lewis Hamilton, questioning the competitive merits of the move.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton, after a celebrated career with Mercedes, joined Ferrari this year but has struggled to find confidence in the car. Unlike teammate Charles Leclerc, who has secured five podiums, Hamilton is yet to finish in the top three, putting Vasseur's strategic choices under scrutiny.

The big picture:

Hamilton's performance challenges align with the current generation of F1 cars introduced in 2022. While new technical regulations are set for 2026, Daly remains unconvinced they will revive Hamilton's form, predicting his ongoing struggles could ultimately cost Vasseur his position.

The details:

Daly stated that while Hamilton was once an exceptionally gifted driver, his "best days" are behind him.

• Age Factor: Daly emphasized that a 40-year-old's instincts and reflexes cannot match those of a 20-year-old, suggesting Hamilton no longer accesses his past gifts at the same level.
• Strategic Misstep: He characterized Ferrari's decision to bring in Hamilton as a "brilliant marketing decision" but not a "competitive decision," arguing that both the team and Hamilton have suffered.
• Sainz's Value: Daly also criticized the departure of Carlos Sainz. He believes the Leclerc-Sainz partnership created a higher-performing team:
  • Leclerc's "instant reflex" speed pushed Sainz.
  • Sainz provided crucial "engineer leader" feedback for car development, a balance Daly feels Ferrari now lacks.

What's next:

Daly suggested it would be best if Hamilton himself decided to step away, allowing Ferrari to bring in a younger, aggressive driver who could contribute at a higher level. Vasseur, who signed a multi-year deal in July, faces increasing pressure if Hamilton's performance doesn't significantly improve under the new regulations.