Lewis Hamilton launched an impassioned defense of Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur while suggesting other structural leadership changes are needed at the team. Hamilton welcomed Ferrari's public statement supporting Vasseur amid growing speculation about the Frenchman's position following five races without a podium.
Hamilton described external criticism as trying to break Ferrari's spirit but not succeeding, emphasizing that Vasseur is the right person to lead the team. The seven-time champion noted Vasseur's improvements since taking charge and said pointing fingers should be directed elsewhere in the organization.
The British driver acknowledged that Ferrari's structure differs from Mercedes, where Toto Wolff holds a different position than Vasseur. Hamilton said there are changes he would make but declined to specify details, noting that people above Vasseur are also part of the equation.
Hamilton emphasized his satisfaction with his treatment by the team and his relationship with Vasseur, whom he first worked with in Formula 3 and Formula 2 in 2005-2006. He said Vasseur has already made many requested changes and continues working on improvements, though Hamilton acknowledged Ferrari carries a 0.4-0.6 second deficit on straight-line power compared to competitors.