Why Frédéric Vasseur Points to Hamilton’s Attitude After a Painful 2025 Season End

“It’s much better to have someone not speaking in the TV pen and coming back to the debriefing, speaking with the engineers, trying to find solutions,” Vasseur told media. In a year where Ferrari’s 2025 car was sacrificed for 2026 development, Hamilton’s professionalism behind closed doors stood out—even as his public persona cracked under pressure.

A Season of Struggles: “The Worst Ever”

Hamilton’s 2025 campaign was statistically his worst in Formula 1. The numbers paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by the seven-time champion:

Hamilton’s Dual Persona

While Hamilton’s media appearances grew increasingly “downbeat”, Vasseur drew a clear line between public venting and private conduct. “I would be destroyed if the drivers told me we were doing a good job. They have to come to us and push the team to the limit,” Vasseur explained.

“When you’re out in Q1, I hope the driver is mega upset. But what matters is the attitude afterward. Lewis always came back to the garage to find solutions.” — Frédéric Vasseur

The Turning Point: Sacrificing 2025

Ferrari’s early decision to shift focus to 2026 meant stopping development on the 2025 car as early as April. “We paid the bill for one-third of the season,” Vasseur admitted. This strategic choice left Hamilton and Leclerc with a flawed machine for the rest of the year, making the psychological management of the drivers crucial.

Why Attitude Matters More Than Results

Vasseur’s defense of Hamilton isn’t about excusing poor performance—it’s about recognizing the value of resilience. “If Lewis had given up, it would’ve destroyed team morale,” Vasseur admitted. Instead, Hamilton’s willingness to analyze every mistake and compile feedback documents proved his commitment to the long-term project.

Conclusion

Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 season at Ferrari will be remembered for its lack of results, but Frédéric Vasseur’s praise reveals a deeper truth: champions are defined by how they handle failure. While the public saw anger, the team saw dedication—a crucial difference as the Scuderia prepares for 2026’s high-stakes reset.