The Underestimated Challenge: Frederic Vasseur Admits He and Lewis Hamilton Misjudged the Ferrari Move

The world of Formula 1 has been captivated by the surprising struggles of one of its greatest legends. Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season was expected to be a triumphant new chapter, but instead, it has been a season of unexpected challenges. In a candid interview, Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur admitted that both he and Hamilton “stupidly” underestimated just how difficult the transition would be. The seven-time world champion, who has been a part of the Mercedes family for nearly two decades, is finding that the cultural shift to the iconic Italian squad is a monumental task.

A Deep-Rooted History Underestimated

For 18 years, from his time at McLaren to his long tenure at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton operated within a remarkably similar environment. As Vasseur points out, McLaren was a Mercedes-powered team, with a familiar engine supplier and a shared cultural ethos. This stability and familiarity shaped Hamilton’s entire Formula 1 career. Moving from this established, English-based setup to the passionate, high-pressure, and culturally distinct world of Ferrari was a seismic change. Both Hamilton and Vasseur, in their optimism, failed to grasp the full extent of this adjustment period.

The challenge became glaringly obvious as the season progressed. Despite the initial buzz, Hamilton’s performance has been uncharacteristically underwhelming. By the mid-season break, he was sitting a disappointing sixth in the drivers’ standings with no grand prix podiums to his name. This is a stark contrast to his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, who has consistently shown strong form, including five podium finishes this season.

The Emotional Toll and Public Admission

The pressure mounted, culminating in an emotional low for Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix. After a dismal qualifying result that saw him start 12th, he declared himself “useless” and even suggested Ferrari needed to change drivers. Such public vulnerability from a champion of his stature highlights the immense mental and emotional toll this season has taken.

Vasseur’s admission to The Race provides crucial context. He noted that they “were stupidly expecting that he will have everything under control.” This collective underestimation of the cultural and environmental shift is at the heart of the team’s struggles. Unlike drivers like Carlos Sainz, who are accustomed to changing teams frequently and adapting to new environments, Hamilton has not had this experience. His long history with a single organization made him less equipped for the abrupt change, and the cultural chasm between the Brackley-based Mercedes team and the legendary Ferrari in Maranello proved to be far wider than anticipated.

Occasional Bright Spots and Future Hopes

While the season has been a battle, there have been a few glimmers of hope. A Sprint pole and victory at the Chinese Grand Prix showed flashes of the old Hamilton magic and the potential of the car. However, these moments have been few and far between. In an attempt to salvage the partnership, Hamilton has been actively working behind the scenes, holding meetings with key Ferrari figures and submitting documents to bosses to ensure a more successful partnership in 2026. This forward-looking approach demonstrates his commitment to making the move work in the long run, even as he grapples with the present challenges.

As Formula 1 gears up for the second half of the season with the Dutch Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari. The summer break has provided a much-needed opportunity for reflection and recalibration. Vasseur’s frank admission signals a new level of understanding and realism within the team. The path ahead is undoubtedly steep, but with a renewed sense of purpose, Hamilton and the Scuderia are determined to turn this chapter around.

Are you a true Formula 1 fanatic? Don’t just follow the sport, live it! Show your support for your favorite team and drivers with the latest F1 merchandise. Head over to Jersey World Store in Bihi Towers, 6th Floor, Suite 3, on Moi Avenue in Nairobi. From official team shirts to stylish hoodies, they have everything you need to gear up for the next race. Visit them today and get your F1 collection started!