Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur insists that the swaps between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in Miami were handled well.
Vasseur argued that Hamilton was given a fair chance to catch Antonelli, thanks to the team’s team orders.
Despite the criticisms of how Ferrari handled the situation, the Frenchman seems convinced it was a well orchestrated sequence.
Ferrari made the right calls in Miami, says Vasseur
Possibly above all else, Fred Vasseur is well known for his optimism.
The Ferrari team principal has been positive about the Maranello outfit’s potential since joining in 2023, a perspective that was certainly vindicated last year.
Not only did the Scuderia fight for the Championship last year, but they did so despite a failed update package in Spain.
Vasseur deserves huge credit for overseeing the team’s fast recovery, which arrived via the upgrades brought to Monza.
Because of this, there was immense optimism at Ferrari heading into 2025.
The team’s failure to carry their momentum from last year has only intensified the frustrations about the SF-25.
Last weekend’s Miami GP, where Ferrari lacked pace and failed to communicate effectively, has further fuelled the scepticism about their project.
In the face of this negativity, Fred Vasseur argues that Hamilton and Leclerc’s swaps were well-managed:
“I can understand the frustration of the guys in the car,” he told Sky Sports.
“But at the end, it was well executed.
“Because Lewis was behind Charles, he was with the softer compound, we let him go.
“Then… we swapped back at the end. I think we let the chance for Lewis to go in front of Charles.
“It was impossible to overtake between them if we don’t let them go [and swap].
“I think it was the opportunity for Lewis to catch up Antonelli, and I think we did a good job.
“You need to understand in this situation – If you are faster than the car in front of you because you have DRS, or because you have the pace.
“We took one lap to take a decision, and then one lap to apply the decision.”
Leclerc and Hamilton grow frustrated
For different reasons, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton only have limited patience for Ferrari’s current performance.
From Leclerc’s perspective, as he enters a 7th year with the team, another year without a title-contending car is difficult to swallow.
At some stage, the Monegasque must ask himself whether the Italian outfit can deliver a car worthy of a Championship.
The 2026 regulations will be pivotal in showing Leclerc whether winning a title with Ferrari is feasible.
From Hamilton’s perspective, his move away from Mercedes – who are favourites to produce the best 2026 engines – was intended to help him secure an eighth world title.
Battling with Williams certainly wasn’t his expectation heading into 2025.
Unless the SF-25 can improve substantially, there will be extraordinary pressure on Ferrari to deliver in 2026.
Irrespective of how you dissect the situation, there are a combination of short and medium-term stressors for the Scuderia to overcome.
Now more than ever, the leadership of Fred Vasseur will be tested.
