The Las Vegas GP was the latest chapter in a disappointing end of the season for Ferrari. The Italian outfit are on track to finish the year 4th in the constructors, which would be their worst result since 2020.
For some time now, Ferrari have been resigned to their fate with the SF-25. Even their pursuit of finishing runner-up, already a consolation prize, looks to be falling short.
This disheartening conclusion to 2025 is now impacting Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton’s comments to the media.
With this pessimistic narrative growing, Fred Vasseur sees no reason to read to deeply into post-race quotes.
Vasseur not bothered by “human” reactions of his drivers
Ferrari’s performance – or lack thereof – is certainly not a new development. The SF-25’s limitations are well-documented, with both drivers vocal in their discontent with its behaviour.
Last weekend’s qualifying in Las Vegas also exposed Ferrari’s struggles in wet conditions, adding to the list of weaknesses for the Maranello-based operation to reconcile with.
After ending qualifying in P20, Hamilton’s race became one of damage limitation. Understandably, especially in the context of his wider season, the 7-time Champion was a disheartened figure after Las Vegas.
Some of Hamilton’s quotes have circulated in recent days, with the 40-year-old speaking candidly about his troubling first year with Ferrari.
Despite the coverage on these statements, Fred Vasseur argues there is no problem with honesty from drivers:
“I prefer to have drivers being very open at the end of the race, when you didn’t do the perfect job, when the car was not good, to say – ‘I’m frustrated’.
“Than someone going into the TV pen and saying – ‘I know guys, the team is perfect, the car is good’ blah, blah, blah. In this case, you would be upset.
“You can’t blame them in these circumstances, and I think it’s quite normal as a human sometimes on the radio or just after the session to be a bit… in the emotion.
“Now, the most important is not what they say in the TV pen. It’s what they do on the Monday morning with the team. They try to do better, they try to push the team to do better and this is more the job of the drivers than the TV pen.”
All eyes on 2026 for Ferrari
Ultimately, results can quickly change a narrative in Formula 1. It only takes one good weekend for a more positive or negative story to follow a team – especially an established name like Ferrari.
The problem for the Scuderia is that improved results could be tricky to achieve. With Verstappen regularly at the front and Mercedes regularly within close proximity, podiums are harder to come by.
In this sense, the Vasseur’s personnel are aware that 2026 is their chance for redemption. Even a surprise top three finish to end the year will not detract from the SF-25’s ultimate failure.
As the title fight reaches its climax, Ferrari might be satisfied to stay out of the headlines in the final two rounds. Once the winter break begins, however, the pressure is on for the Italian squad to re-assert themselves in 2026.
Main photo: Scuderia Ferrari Media Gallery