Vasseur Praises Hamilton & Leclerc’s “Professional” F1 Battle in China | Ferrari Team Update
Shanghai, China – Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has affirmed his trust in Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to compete freely, even if it means risking a potentially compromised team result, following a spirited battle for the final podium position at the Chinese Grand Prix. The intra-team duel, ultimately won by Hamilton, unfolded as Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes secured his maiden Formula 1 victory.
The contest between the Ferrari drivers was a focal point of the race, with Hamilton and Leclerc trading positions multiple times. While the pair ran closely enough to briefly craft contact – described by Hamilton as a “kiss” – the racing remained within acceptable bounds, a fact Vasseur emphasized. “Huge respect for both of them,” Vasseur said. “They are professional and I think it makes sense in this situation to let them race.”
Vasseur acknowledged the inherent risk in allowing such competition, admitting that the situation could have easily appeared “completely stupid” had it resulted in a collision or significant loss of points. However, he believes fostering a competitive environment within the team is crucial for long-term development. “At the end of the day, I think it’s also the best way to build up a team and we need to have this kind of relation in the team to improve,” he explained. He noted that both drivers even communicated their enjoyment of the battle over the radio, a positive sign of the dynamic within the team.
Hamilton, in his first podium finish for Ferrari, described the race as “one of the most enjoyable” of his career. Leclerc echoed that sentiment, stating he “enjoyed” the fight with his teammate. This mutual respect and willingness to push each other hard is precisely the dynamic Vasseur hopes to cultivate.
The Chinese Grand Prix saw Antonelli lead from the second lap, establishing a comfortable margin over the Ferrari duo. Hamilton initially seized the lead from Antonelli at the start, but the Mercedes driver quickly regained the position. The Ferraris then found themselves defending against the second Mercedes of George Russell for several laps.
While the battle between Hamilton and Leclerc captivated viewers, it ultimately came at a cost. Both drivers were unable to seriously challenge Antonelli and Russell for the win, highlighting a performance deficit that Vasseur is determined to address. “We are pushing like hell on every single area to close the gap,” Vasseur stated, acknowledging that improvements are needed across the entire SF-26 car, not just the power unit.
Vasseur pinpointed a straight-line speed disadvantage as a key area for improvement. He noted that Ferrari has been steadily closing the gap to Mercedes, reducing the deficit from eight-tenths of a second in Melbourne to six-tenths on Friday and four-tenths on Saturday in Shanghai. However, he conceded that significant work remains to be done. “They are still far away,” he said.
The team principal emphasized a holistic approach to performance enhancement, stating that improvements are needed in chassis development, tire management, and engine performance. “It’s not just about engine, we have to work everywhere to improve the chassis, the tyres,” Vasseur explained. “Like always, racing doesn’t change, all the components of the performance are still on the table and we don’t have to be focused on one parameter but it’s a challenge.”
The decision to allow Hamilton and Leclerc to race freely represents a shift in Ferrari’s approach, signaling a willingness to prioritize internal competition as a driver of overall performance. While the risk of intra-team conflict remains, Vasseur believes the potential rewards – a more motivated and competitive team – outweigh the dangers. The dynamic between the seven-time World Champion and the young Monegasque driver will undoubtedly be a key storyline throughout the Formula 1 season.
The Chinese Grand Prix result leaves Antonelli leading the championship standings, with Russell in second. Hamilton’s podium finish moves him up the order, while Leclerc remains within striking distance. The next race on the calendar will provide another opportunity for Ferrari to close the gap to Mercedes and for Hamilton and Leclerc to continue their competitive battle, both with each other and with the rest of the field.