Fred Vasseur defends ‘Ferrari first’ orders over Lewis Hamilton’s Miami GP fiasco

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur revealed the Scuderia's approach in managing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the Miami GP.

Fred Vasseur defends ‘Ferrari first’ orders over Lewis Hamilton’s Miami GP fiasco

Fred Vasseur (via IMAGO), Lewis Hamilton (via Ferrari)

The Miami GP turned out to be a controversial affair for Scuderia Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton did not hold back from almost putting the team under the bus over demands of team orders. It seemed that tensions could’ve risen between Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc. However, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur has now defended the entire ordeal.

During the Miami GP, Lewis Hamilton was right behind Charles Leclerc. The British driver demanded to be released, claiming that he was the faster driver. When Ferrari delayed the decision, Hamilton lashed out on the team radio, even resorting to some sarcastic takes.

Quite a stir erupted on social media following the race. Fans were divided online as it seemed that Ferrari was not willing to let Hamilton through initially. Although, it was likely that the Italian team didn’t want to implement team orders without having full faith that it would work out. Ultimately, Lewis Hamilton gave back to the position to Leclerc when he failed to make progress. Post-race, the seven-time world champion had a conversation with Vasseur and insisted that there were no more issues over the incident within the team.

Fred Vasseur mentioned that he’s had discussions with both his drivers. The Frenchman pointed out that it is never easy for a team to manage two star drivers in such situations. Vasseur asserted that Ferrari was ready to take responsibility for the way things panned out. He further claimed that the team was following its ‘Ferrari first’ strategy.

They are champions. They want to win races. We are asking them to let their team-mates go. It’s not easy. It’s never easy. And I didn’t see another team do it today. That is why we took the responsibility to do it because it’s the policy of the team. We are racing for Ferrari first.

Fred Vasseur said, as quoted by Motorsport.com

Fred Vasseur takes subtle dig at FOM over Lewis Hamilton radio delays

Ferrari has not been particularly happy with its radio broadcasts during races. In the past, an unintentional error failed to provide the entire story behind Hamilton letting past Charles Leclerc. Albeit, FOM came out to apologize that it did not mean to show only one side of the picture. However, following the Miami GP, Vasseur was once again critical of the broadcast.

Fred Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (via Motorsport Week)
Fred Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (via Motorsport Week)

The Frenchman reinstated that the delay in radio broadcasts happened by the FOM, who decided when to air the messages. Fred Vasseur did not blame Formula 1, but the comments seemed to once again signal that he’s not fond of the way things were shown on TV. As Hamilton was not hesitating to make bold remarks on the team radio.

The radio transmission, first we have to understand that it’s FOM who is managing the delay… I already had the case in the past.

Fred Vasseur added

Team radio broadcasts often get controversial. Drivers might not censor themselves due to the rush of adrenaline while racing at two hundred miles per hour. Though, drivers usually calm down after getting out of the car and fully understanding the situation. Thus, fans should wait till a driver has spoken post-race before making assumptions over escalating tensions.

Nevertheless, things have calmed down since. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have no hard feelings after the race. Though, Ferrari should’ve been better at handling the incident. The Scuderia needed a more concrete plan for such scenarios. As such, the Tifosi would hope that Vasseur’s squad does not repeat such a situation again.

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