Lewis Hamilton hit out at “nonsense” hypothesis about Frederic Vasseur’s future at Ferrari, issuing a passionate defence of the workforce boss who he described as “the person to take us to the top”.
Studies in outstanding sections of the Italian press forward of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix have targeted on Vasseur’s place at Maranello past the top of this season amid the workforce’s disappointing marketing campaign to date.
Vasseur is in his third yr on the helm of F1’s most well-known workforce, the primary since seven-time Hamilton was signed in a blockbuster swap from Mercedes – a transfer which has reunited the pair after they labored collectively twenty years in the past to title-winning success within the junior method.
Requested in regards to the experiences in Ferrari’s dwelling nation, Hamilton mentioned: “I was just made aware of it before I got here, so I’ve not read the stories. It’s definitely not nice to hear that there are stories that are like that out there.
“Firstly, I like working with Fred. Fred’s the principle cause I am on this workforce and received the chance to be right here, which I am eternally grateful for, and we’re on this collectively.
“We’re working exhausting within the background. Issues aren’t excellent however, for me I am right here to work with the workforce but in addition with Fred. I would like Fred right here.
“I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top, so that’s that. Ultimately, it’s nonsense what people have written.”
‘Please cease making stuff up’ – Hamilton additionally shuts down rumours about his personal future…
Ferrari had focused combating for this yr’s world titles after a powerful second half to final season when Charles Leclerc scored probably the most factors from the summer season break onwards and the workforce completed simply 14 factors behind constructors’ champions McLaren.
Though they moved into second place within the groups’ standings for the primary time this yr after the final race in Spain, they’re a mammoth 197 factors behind McLaren after 9 races. Leclerc and Hamilton are additionally a great distance off the tempo within the Drivers’ Championship.
There have been indicators of enchancment not too long ago, with Leclerc ending on the rostrum in every of the final two races, however performances have typically clearly fallen nicely in need of pre-season expectations.
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The F1 Present podcast panel focus on Lewis Hamilton’s efficiency and his dejected response after the Spanish Grand Prix and ask how the seven-time World Champion can flip issues round at Ferrari.
On the work underneath approach behind the scenes to enhance their fortunes, Hamilton mentioned: “Most people don’t know what is going on in the background, and it isn’t all easy.
“It isn’t prefer it’s all of the smoothest crusing within the background. We’re having to make modifications, it is a whole lot of work to do, and there’s naturally a whole lot of stress as a result of we wish to win.
“But [Vasseur’s position] is not any part of the discussion at the moment.”
In response to a later query on the identical topic, Hamilton made clear that any exit for Vasseur could be “certainly not something I would be supportive of” earlier than including: “I’m here to win with Fred. He has my full support.”
The Briton then broke away from speaking about Vasseur’s future to additionally deal with wild hypothesis about his personal amid a troublesome begin to life at Ferrari on monitor.
“And also, to everyone writing stories of me considering not racing – I literally only just started here with Ferrari,” added Hamilton, who signed a multi-year time period on the workforce.
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New radio messages reveal Lewis Hamilton admitting the Ferrari automotive was the ‘worst it is ever been’ throughout the Spanish Grand Prix.
“I’m here for several years, and I’m here for the long haul.
“There is no query the place my head’s at and what I am working in the direction of attaining with this workforce. So, there’s zero doubts. Please cease making stuff up.”
…as does Leclerc
The Italian media also reported Charles Leclerc was considering his own future at Ferrari after a difficult 2025.
Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, signed a long-term contract in 2024 for “a number of seasons” and dismissed the rumours coming into Montreal.
“I am very shocked. I do not know the place that comes from. I might moderately simply ignore it,” he mentioned.
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A dramatic restart on the Spanish GP noticed Max Verstappen collide with Charles Leclerc and George Russell
“But I’ve never said anything of this in the last three races. If anything I keep saying how much I love the team and how much I want to bring Ferrari to the top, so I was surprised.”
Leclerc says he understands the rumours surrounding Ferrari however does not assume the workforce are affected by it.
“We have a vision that we share, us three – Fred, Lewis and myself – to get back to winning. We have been working to put that altogether. That’s our plan and we will stick to it,” he mentioned.
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Monaco hometown hero Charles Leclerc was left livid after he was pipped to pole place by Lando Norris
“We are absolutely not happy with the situation we are in at the moment, but we just need to find the outstanding thing that McLaren have found.
“Strain is regular to have while you’re working for Ferrari. Second isn’t ok however we’re all conscious of it, so it is not like the surface stress influences the stress we placed on ourselves first.
“At the moment McLaren are the stronger team and it’s up to us to react. We need to forget everything that’s said around the team but I think that’s something I have got used to.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s Canadian GP schedule
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A glance again at a few of the most dramatic moments from the Canadian Grand Prix
Friday June 13
4pm: F1 Academy Apply One
6pm: Canadian GP Apply One (session begins at 6.30pm)
8pm: The F1 Present
9pm: Group Principals’ Press Convention
9.30pm: Canadian GP Apply Two (session begins at 10pm)
11.25pm: F1 Academy Qualifying
Saturday June 14
2.10pm: F1 Academy Race One
5.15pm: Canadian GP Apply Three (session begins at 5.30pm)
7.30pm: F1 Academy Race Two
8.30pm: Canadian GP Qualifying build-up
9pm: CANADIAN GP QUALIFYING
11pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
Sunday June 15
3.50pm: F1 Academy Race Three
5.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Canadian GP build-up*
7pm: THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX*
9pm: Chequered Flag: Canadian GP response
10pm: Ted’s Pocket book
*additionally on Sky Sports activities Important Occasion
The 2025 Components 1 season resumes reside on Sky Sports activities F1 with the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime.
