‘Point Fingers Somewhere Else’ – Hamilton Condemns ‘Negative Narrative’ Surrounding Vasseur’s Leadership

Lewis Hamilton addressed the "negative narrative" surrounding Fred Vasseur’s stint as Ferrari Team Principal, voicing strong backing for the Frenchman at a time when he feels "outside sources" are attempting to "break our spirit."

A five-race podium drought for Ferrari sparked intense speculation over Vasseur’s tenure, further inflamed by remarks from former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who described the Maranello squad as his "dream" career destination.

In response to the noise, Ferrari management organized a media briefing to reinforce their "full confidence" in Vasseur, stating: "Ferrari has made its choices already. At this time, it's really important that the team remains united and cohesive, and we focus all the energy on the work ahead.”

Ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Hamilton was asked about the management's statement and whether the persistent rumors had disrupted the team's internal morale.

"I think it's good that they did it," Hamilton remarked. "Regarding team unity, we were already completely aligned. Frankly, external sources seem intent on projecting negativity onto us and breaking our spirit, but they won't succeed.

"People can push their negative narrative, but internally everyone is pushing relentlessly. Fred is the right person to guide us, and he is doing an outstanding job. Look at the history of how many leaders have been rotated in this role; I genuinely believe the team is in a stronger position than ever before. Besides, this isn't down to a single individual.

"It’s a collective effort involving many people. If anyone wants to point fingers, point them somewhere else. There are senior figures above who are equally part of this process. The key takeaway is clear: Fred is in his role, he isn't going anywhere, I am staying right alongside him, and I have complete faith in our path forward."

While Hamilton’s impressive debut victory for Ferrari in Barcelona sparked hopes of a title push against Mercedes, the team’s momentum slowed following the summer break. Despite setbacks like an on-track collision with Charles Leclerc in Monza and brake failures in Madrid, Hamilton stressed that Vasseur’s work ethic deserves credit rather than harsh criticism.

"On any given weekend, other teams make missteps and nobody makes a fuss, but when we make the same mistake, it becomes ten times worse simply because it’s Ferrari," he told journalists at the Sepang International Circuit.

"I understand that people hold Ferrari to the highest possible standard, but ultimately, we are human beings giving everything every single weekend.

"We sit second in the Constructors' Championship—a substantial leap forward compared to last year—despite facing an average power deficit of four-tenths every single weekend, sometimes up to six-tenths. Despite that handicap, we are delivering solid results, which proves how exceptional a job the factory team is doing.

"All this negativity diminishes those achievements. We aren't where we want to be yet, but you don't leap from last year's position straight to number one overnight. It’s a step-by-step process. We have established a solid foundation this season and need to keep building on it. We aren't flawless yet, but I firmly believe we will get there."

Following a challenging start to his Ferrari tenure, Hamilton worked diligently to close the gap to his team mate, a transformation that has yielded a 20-point lead in the standings over Leclerc. The Briton credits this progress largely to Vasseur’s collaborative approach.

"I am very satisfied with how I am treated," he noted. "Fred has been great to work with, and our overall relationship—including with upper management—is in a far better place than ever before. Outsliders offering commentary clearly have no idea what they are talking about because they aren't inside the building.

"I know firsthand what happens within the team, how it's structured, and where our weaknesses lie. I won't air those publicly, but I will continue working directly with decision-makers to implement changes. Making structural adjustments takes time; not everyone was receptive initially, but Fred has executed many of the changes I requested, and there is more to come."

Charles Leclerc, who has worked under Vasseur since he succeeded Mattia Binotto for the 2023 campaign, echoed his team mate's sentiments while dismissing the "crazy rumors."

"My relationship with Fred is well known, but it goes far beyond personal rapport," Leclerc stated. "It’s about his operational competence. He is exceptional at what he does, and he has my total trust.

"Internally, Fred has always enjoyed full backing. Yet for some reason, every three or four years, these absurd rumors resurface around the team. Having been here for several years, I've unfortunately grown accustomed to it.

"It isn't pleasant, nor is it respectful, because every single one of us is working as hard as possible. We will make mistakes at times, just as we will achieve great things. Having people jump on every minor flaw to ignite rumors is frustrating.

"One thing is certain—Fred has our absolute support. We are proud to have him leading us, and I hope we can put the team back on top as quickly as possible to shut down these foolish rumors."