After Serra and Hamilton had settled in at Mercedes, the duo worked alongside one another during the Silver Arrows dominant years in F1 between 2014 and 2021.

Serra has been credited in the past for his contribution to the team’s dominance of the hybrid era that saw Mercedes add seven drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ championship trophies to their cabinet.

But since taking on the role of head of chassis performance engineering at Ferrari, the Frenchman is yet to prove himself.

Vasseur defends Hamilton ally

As many, including Hamilton, look to the Scuderia to beg them to make a major improvement for 2026, Vasseur has once again shared his dislike of the view that Serra was to blame for Ferrari’s car woes this season.

Speaking in a press briefing before Christmas, Vasseur said: ” I was a bit upset when, at one point during the season, some media outlets criticized Loic [Serra].

“I think it was somewhat unfair,” he continued, as quoted by Auto Hebdo.

“Enrico [Cardile] left the team in June 2024. When Loic arrived, the car was almost entirely designed,” Vasseur continued, instead offering hope that 2026 will see the first opportunity for the former Mercedes man to prove his technical abilities.

“Ultimately, next year’s car isn’t his first ‘child.’ He’s had others before. However, it is his first real project,” he clarified, teasing machinery that could perhaps better align with Hamilton’s driving style.