Vasseur contemplating engineer change for Hamilton.

Vasseur contemplating engineer change for Hamilton.

      "We need to enhance our collaboration with Lewis."

      Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has candidly recognized that the Scuderia misjudged the extent of Lewis Hamilton's struggles during his challenging first season with the team. Hamilton finished the 2025 season without a victory, securing only one sprint win and failing to reach the podium in any grand prix, as Ferrari found it difficult to integrate the seven-time world champion after his lengthy tenure at Mercedes. Speaking before Christmas, Vasseur acknowledged that the transition was more challenging than anticipated.

      "We’ll start in a better position," Vasseur told Sky Italia in reference to Hamilton and the 2026 season. "Lewis is now familiar with the team, and we understand him much better than we did last year. He is acquainted with all the software and tools. We’ll improve our performance." However, the Frenchman admitted to a significant oversight. "Leclerc is comfortable, but it was a considerable challenge for Hamilton," he noted. "I underestimated him."

      Italian media have reported that Ferrari is now reevaluating how Hamilton is supported on the pitwall. According to Corriere della Sera, changing the race engineer—with Riccardo Adami under review—is one of the various options being explored. "We need to enhance our collaboration with Lewis," Vasseur stated. "He has to learn to maximize the car’s potential. At the same time, we need to gain a better understanding of his requirements."

      When directly asked about Adami’s position, Vasseur confirmed that every possibility is being considered. "We're assessing all options," he remarked. "Every detail matters."

      In a separate report, German newspaper Bild indicated that Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari lasts longer than previously thought. While Ferrari announced a "multi-year" agreement when signing the British driver in early 2024, Bild states that the contract extends through 2027, with a unilateral option allowing Hamilton to stay until 2028—potentially competing at the age of 43. The report also suggested that Ferrari internally acknowledges that Hamilton’s marketing value cannot compensate for a lack of on-track success, with Oliver Bearman seemingly being prepared as a future option.

      Ferrari has not commented on these assertions. Vasseur emphasized that the team's objective is clear. "Now it's Ferrari's responsibility to help him get back to winning," Vasseur stated. "We need to understand what Lewis wants and what he requires."

Vasseur contemplating engineer change for Hamilton.

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Vasseur contemplating engineer change for Hamilton.

Formula 1 | Ferrari chief Frederic Vasseur has candidly recognized that the Scuderia underestimated the extent of Lewis Hamilton's challenges during his difficult (…)