Vasseur Credits Hamilton for Role in Ferrari's 2025 'Reaction'

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur says Lewis Hamilton's key contribution in a difficult 2025 was being part of the team's positive "reaction" to setbacks. Despite a winless season that fell short of expectations, Vasseur emphasized the collective resilience shown in response to adversity, crediting the seven-time champion as a key component of this unified push for improvement as the team shifts focus to 2026.

Why it matters:

After a season of underperformance following a blockbuster driver signing, team morale and culture are paramount. Vasseur's framing of Hamilton's role focuses on resilience, suggesting Ferrari is building a stronger psychological foundation for its crucial 2026 title challenge under new regulations. It shifts the narrative from individual results to collective growth.

The details:

• Vasseur described the 2025 season as "difficult" and a "mathematical contestation," with the team failing to win a grand prix and Hamilton not reaching the podium.
• The primary positive for the team boss was the collective "reaction" to these struggles. He stated, "Lewis is part of the reaction, for sure."
• The team made an early strategic call in April to shift its primary focus to the 2026 car, which influenced its approach to the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
• Back-to-back podiums for Charles Leclerc in Austin and Mexico were highlighted as evidence of this positive response and a decent recovery in performance.

What's next:

Ferrari is treating the entire 2025 season as a learning experience and a foundation for 2026. The team's ability to maintain a strong work ethic through a challenging year will be critical to the success of its next-generation car. The true test of this collective "reaction" and Hamilton's full integration will be measured when the new regulations arrive and Ferrari aims to return to the front of the grid.