Fred Vasseur Faces Criticism from Ferrari Followers After Controversial Response to Hamilton Struggles and Spanish GP Consequence
Ferrari group boss Fred Vasseur started the 2025 Formulation 1 marketing campaign driving a wave of optimism. The French supervisor had simply orchestrated probably the most high-profile transfers in F1 historical past by bringing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes to Maranello. With Ferrari having narrowly missed the 2024 constructors’ title—ending simply 14 factors behind McLaren—the group regarded poised to return to championship-winning type.
Nonetheless, lower than midway by way of the season, the ambiance surrounding Ferrari has modified dramatically. The SF-25 has did not reside as much as expectations, and the group’s performances have fallen wanting the lofty targets set throughout winter testing. Vasseur, as soon as hailed for his daring management, is now beneath growing scrutiny as strain mounts from followers and the media alike.
By way of the primary 9 rounds of the 2025 season, Ferrari have failed to significantly contend for a race win. They’ve managed simply three podiums—every delivered by Charles Leclerc—and suffered a significant embarrassment at Imola, the place each vehicles have been eradicated in Q2 at one in every of their house races. Regardless of the star energy and pedigree Hamilton brings, the Briton’s debut marketing campaign in purple has but to yield a single Grand Prix podium end.
Frederic Vasseur tried to spotlight Ferrari’s progress within the constructors’ standings after the Spanish Grand Prix, the place Charles Leclerc completed third and Lewis Hamilton crossed the road in sixth. He famous that Ferrari had overtaken each Pink Bull and Mercedes to maneuver into second total, and that he most well-liked their present place to having fallen to fourth or fifth. The Frenchman additionally identified that Ferrari had managed to erase a 40-point deficit to Mercedes, stemming from a double disqualification in China, and now lead the Silver Arrows by six factors.
Whereas the Ferrari boss seen this as an indication of enchancment, the response from followers was removed from supportive. Many took to social media platforms like X to criticize Vasseur’s remarks, suggesting they uncovered a defeatist mindset unworthy of Ferrari’s historic legacy. One fan accused him of embodying a “loser mentality,” whereas one other expressed disbelief that second place had develop into a trigger for celebration on the Scuderia.
A number of customers argued that such feedback have been emblematic of lowered requirements, claiming that Charles Leclerc was the one one within the group nonetheless exhibiting a real profitable spirit. Others took direct purpose at Fred Vasseur’s management fashion, accusing him of “celebrating mediocrity” and calling for Lewis Hamilton to go away earlier than the state of affairs deteriorates additional. One fan remarked that the French supervisor may be a likeable determine, however insisted that his mindset resembled that of somebody snug with failure, not somebody aiming for world titles.
Fred Vasseur’s critics additionally identified that Ferrari’s rise within the standings might not mirror precise efficiency beneficial properties. Pink Bull’s place has been compromised by the shortage of assist for Max Verstappen from their second driver, with the reigning champion scoring 137 of the group’s 144 factors. In the meantime, Mercedes have been tormented by reliability points. Kimi Antonelli retired at each Imola and Barcelona, and George Russell skilled a pricey failure throughout Monaco qualifying.
On the Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari had hoped for a turning level. The group believed that latest FIA rules on versatile wings would affect McLaren’s efficiency, doubtlessly opening a path for Ferrari to catch up. However on race day, the group nonetheless lacked the uncooked pace wanted to problem the front-runners.
To make issues worse, Ferrari’s strategic decision-making got here beneath hearth as soon as once more. Sky Sports activities commentator David Croft raised considerations in regards to the delay in swapping positions between Hamilton and the evidently quicker Leclerc in the course of the opening stint in Barcelona. This hesitation solely served to strengthen the notion that operational points proceed to hinder Ferrari’s potential.
Because the season progresses, Fred Vasseur now faces a crucial second. With Hamilton’s outcomes failing to fulfill expectations and fan sentiment turning hostile, Ferrari should ship greater than symbolic beneficial properties within the championship desk—they want tangible enhancements on observe.
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