Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur addressed Lewis Hamilton’s struggles in excelling in the qualifying rounds in the 2024 F1 season. Ahead of the seven-time world champion’s move to Maranello, the French boss confirmed that he was not worried about Hamilton’s qualifying form as points are actually scored during the main race on Sunday.

Hamilton is set to drive for Ferrari in the 2025 F1 season after spending a decade with Mercedes. Though he won six championships with the Silver Arrows since 2013, the last few years were challenging. He hit the longest winless streak of his career and was beaten by George Russell in the qualifying rounds in 19 of the 24 races.

However, the Brit’s qualifying form isn’t a concern for Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur. In an interview with Sky Sports F1, the Frenchman said that switching teams could fix Hamilton’s qualifying form, but the actual race matters the most as the points are scored on Sunday.

“First of all we are well placed to know that it’s on Sunday that you are scoring points. We are probably the best in qualifying but we struggle in the race. We have to keep the focus on the race. We have to keep the same momentum and the same approach for the next championship,” Vasseur said.
When the host asked if Ferrari was worried about the 39-year-old’s qualifying form, he said:

“No.”
The Italian team missed out on the constructors championship by a whisker in 2024 as McLaren lifted the trophy after Lando Norris won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. For the 2025 season, the team has set high hopes, particularly due to the induction of Lewis Hamilton.

The British driver has been one of the most successful drivers in the history of F1 with the record of most race wins and pole positions under his belt. While the past few years with Mercedes were underwhelming, the Ferrari team principal expressed faith and confidence in Hamilton.

As confirmed earlier this week, the Prancing Horse will unveil their 2025 F1 challenger on February 19, where the seven-time world champion will be seen in red colors for the first time.

Vasseur opens up on whether managing the Lewis Hamilton-Charles Leclerc driver pair would be a challenge
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, F1 Grand Prix of Canada – Drivers Parade (Source: Getty)
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, F1 Grand Prix of Canada – Drivers Parade (Source: Getty)
Ferrari will witness a change in dynamics in the 2025 F1 season as Lewis Hamilton will team up with Charles Leclerc. Team principal Fred Vasseur touched on this topic while speaking at the team’s traditional Christmas media lunch.

He said that managing the Brit and the Monegasque won’t be a challenge for him as the drivers share mutual respect. He said (via the BBC):

“Charles, Lewis, I am not particularly worried about this,” Vasseur said. “They have a huge mutual respect, they know each other, they have been talking about this for months now.”
Vasseur is also not worried about his relationship with Lewis Hamilton, as the duo previously worked together in junior championships.

After securing P2 in constructors and P3 in the drivers championship respectively, Ferrari seems strong and confident of a better and successful season in 2025.

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Edited by Prathik BR