Stefano Domenicali urges Fred Vasseur to dam out strain and keep centered to assist Lewis Hamilton succeed at Ferrari
Frederic Vasseur, the present group principal at Ferrari, understands Lewis Hamilton’s capabilities on the racetrack higher than most. Lengthy earlier than Hamilton started his System 1 profession with McLaren in 2007, Fred Vasseur had already labored with the British driver throughout his dominant marketing campaign in GP2 with ART Grand Prix. Almost twenty years later, the 2 have reunited at Ferrari underneath very totally different circumstances, however the begin of their journey collectively has not mirrored the success of their earlier collaboration.
The Briton’s much-anticipated swap from Mercedes to Ferrari hasn’t delivered fast outcomes. Whereas there was a short spark of optimism after the seven-time world champion clinched victory within the Dash Race in China from pole place, it proved short-lived. The principle race introduced disappointment, with each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc disqualified as a result of technical infringements. Furthermore, Hamilton has overtly admitted he’s nonetheless acclimating to Ferrari’s inner techniques and methodologies, making the variation section extra complicated than anticipated.
The Briton made the transfer to Ferrari with desires of following within the footsteps of icons like Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda—champions who added to their legacies in pink. Whereas such ambitions appear out of attain in 2025, System 1 Group CEO and former Ferrari group boss Stefano Domenicali has provided his perspective on how Hamilton and Ferrari can navigate the difficult street forward.
Stefano Domenicali’s message to Fred Vasseur and Hamilton: block out strain and deal with the small print
Talking throughout an interview on the Italian radio program La Politica nel Pallone for Rai Gr Parlamento, Stefano Domenicali touched on varied subjects, together with the way forward for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. But it surely was his perception on Ferrari’s present trajectory that drew consideration. When requested in regards to the group’s underwhelming begin to the season, Stefano Domenicali kept away from criticism, as a substitute emphasizing that Ferrari seems nearer to the front-runners than some would possibly assume.
He revealed that he frequently communicates with Fred Vasseur and provided the Ferrari boss a singular piece of recommendation: to maintain working with dedication, with out permitting the immense strain that naturally accompanies the Ferrari position to cloud his judgment. Stefano Domenicali conveyed his perception that Ferrari has what it takes to return to successful kind throughout the yr, highlighting how the minimal efficiency gaps throughout the sector imply that even the smallest enhancements might shift the steadiness.
The previous Ferrari government additionally shared a private dialog he had with Hamilton, noting that the British driver had come to know the immense significance of representing Ferrari. The F1 CEO identified that carrying the pink swimsuit carries a singular weight, even for a champion of Hamilton’s caliber.
Ferrari nonetheless trying to find the proper components to unlock Hamilton’s full potential
Lewis Hamilton’s long-standing relationship with Mercedes-powered groups has made the transition to Ferrari all of the tougher. From successful his first title with McLaren in 2008 to capturing six extra with Mercedes, Hamilton has grown accustomed to a selected technical atmosphere. Now, he finds himself adapting to a special set of instruments, procedures, and philosophies in Maranello.
The efficiency hole between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc is at present noticeable, and insiders counsel it stems from delicate however crucial variations of their consolation with the SF-25. After the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton pointed to Ferrari’s braking system for instance—whereas seemingly minor, even slight discomfort in such areas can translate into misplaced tenths over a lap.
Rwandan and Belgian racing driver and tv presenter Naomi Schiff famous that Lewis Hamilton has not but discovered the right setup for his new automotive. The Maranello group’s disqualification in China, brought on by the ground being too low, could have additional disrupted efforts to fine-tune the steadiness and configuration of Hamilton’s automotive.
Nonetheless, Ferrari confirmed indicators of enchancment in Sakhir, the place each automobiles secured their greatest finishes of the season to this point. The end result prompt progress behind the scenes, even when the general tempo and steadiness nonetheless fall wanting championship-winning requirements. Because the season continues, Ferrari’s means to evolve shortly will likely be crucial—not only for Hamilton’s success, however for the group’s broader ambitions of returning to the highest of System 1.
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