Fred Vasseur’s ‘extreme’ Lewis Hamilton claim has proven what’s ‘changed a lot’ at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton’s start with Ferrari has not been the dream everyone expected for the seven-time world champion.

Having been regularly beaten by teammate Charles Leclerc at races, Hamilton has also experienced difficulties in getting the SF-25 in the right operating window.

At the most recent Spanish Grand Prix, the Briton had a brilliant start and climbed to fourth place, but his performance dropped off so much that Ferrari instructed him to let Leclerc pass.

The Monegasque would go on to finish in third place after Red Bull made a mistake with Max Verstappen, while Hamilton finished in sixth behind the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg.

Hamilton branded it his worst race and his post-race comments seemed to depict a shift in dynamic at Ferrari, according to Christian Fittipaldi, when speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast.

Ferrari ‘dynamic’ changed after Fred Vasseur response to Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton was highly critical of the Ferrari over team radio in Spain, not to mention branding it his worst race in his career to the media.

Team principal Fred Vasseur has always been quick to defend Hamilton, but said his comments were “extreme” after the race (via PlanetF1.com).

Fittipaldi believes this represents a shift in the mindset of the pair since they first worked together in junior formulas.

“Vasseur worked with Hamilton last how many years ago? 2005? During this entire period, Hamilton and Vasseur developed,” said Fittipaldi.

“I’m not here to discuss whether they went in the right or wrong direction, but clearly both professionals are not the same as when they worked in 2005.

“The dynamic has changed a lot. Along with the car not being the fastest on the grid, that’s why we’re seeing these exchanges.”

Lewis Hamilton facing ‘critical turning point’ in Ferrari career

There is no doubt that Hamilton is more than capable of adding to his tally of 105 victories, but his period of adaptation is taking longer than expected at Ferrari.

Hamilton also has the added issue of time to take into consideration, as he will be 41 years old in 2026 when F1 takes on new regulations and Ferrari have their best shot of winning another title.

Several backroom staff from Mercedes joined Hamilton at Ferrari when he announced his move last year, which should help them develop a car that is more suited to his driving style.

Karun Chandhok expects Hamilton will need to find consistency to stay motivated for the rest of 2025, otherwise, he could have some unwanted concerns.