Will Fred Vasseur sideline Charles Leclerc for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari?
Fred Vasseur is in a difficult spot this season over the management of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
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Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO), Fred Vasseur, (via IMAGO) and Lewis Hamilton (via Ferrari)
Lewis Hamilton has finally made his on-track debut with Scuderia Ferrari. The seven-time world champion already has a strong relationship with team boss Fred Vasseur. Though, this could create problems for Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc.
Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton have worked together during the Briton’s junior career. The Frenchman’s presence at Ferrari was one of the reasons for the 40-year-old’s switch to the Scuderia this year. So far, Vasseur has created the ideal environment for the F1 icon.
The seven-time world champion is known to thrive when he is comfortable with the team, something Fred Vasseur might’ve guaranteed already. However, Charles Leclerc might be feeling uncertain over his influence at Maranello in the upcoming season.
Fred Vasseur needs to do a balancing act in 2025
Leclerc has been at Ferrari since 2019. The Monegasque driver knows the ins and outs of the Italian team and already has the support of the crew. As such, Vasseur needs to ensure that Hamilton hits the ground-running and does not feel out of place. The support of Enzo Ferrari‘s son Piero Ferrari has shown that the Briton has the full backing of the Prancing Horse.
This in turn might make Charles Leclerc feel relegated at least initially. The 27-year-old understands that his on-track results can gain back any influence he loses before the start of the season. Nevertheless, the mantle lies on Vasseur to ensure that no hard feelings emerge between Leclerc and Hamilton.
Both drivers will undoubtedly want the upper hand within the team. Lewis Hamilton has already showcased his determination to led Maranello back to glory in Formula 1. Fred Vasseur and his team would likely make sure that all demands of the Briton are met. Though, he will need to keep Leclerc happy in a fine balancing act.
It is highly unlikely that Ferrari will abandon or give less focus on Charles Leclerc. Though, the sway in influence would be felt at Maranello as Hamilton connects with his new team. The 2025 preseason test will give the first real signs regarding this silent battle between the two drivers.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2341 Articles Published)