Vasseur reaches boiling point with Hamilton and Leclerc: 'It's a lack of respect'
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has expressed his anger following the Mexican Grand Prix, accusing his drivers of showing a lack of respect towards the team after a chaotic race in which the Scuderia failed to capitalise on a promising start. Despite running first and second after the opening corner, Ferrari eventually finished second and fourth, leaving the Frenchman deeply frustrated with how the race unfolded.
Speaking to Canal+ after the race, Vasseur made no attempt to hide his disappointment, particularly given the progress Ferrari showed in terms of performance throughout the weekend.
"It's not the result we were hoping for, especially when you're first and second after the opening corner. In Mexico, there hasn't been an overtake in 72 years, so you don't expect to finish second and fourth," he said.
"I find it hard to swallow because, quite frankly, I think it's a lack of respect. A lack of respect for the brand, a lack of respect for everyone who works here and for the efforts we put in. We've made a real step forward in terms of performance, and I think throwing away a victory like that is difficult."
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The Ferrari boss was particularly unhappy with the way his drivers approached the opening stages of the race, with their battle ultimately costing the team the opportunity to secure a much stronger result. However, Vasseur insisted he had not yet spoken to either driver about the incident: "I haven't discussed it with them yet. We'll have time to sit down and talk face to face, but right now I'm really struggling to accept it."
Photo: Race Pictures
The controversy began when Hamilton and Leclerc fought for the lead on the opening lap. Hamilton initially defended his position before Leclerc ran across the grass at Turn 4 and emerged ahead, with Max Verstappen also taking advantage of the confusion. The Monegasque subsequently received a five-second penalty, while Verstappen eventually secured victory ahead of Hamilton, with Leclerc finishing fourth.
Asked whether his criticism was directed specifically at Leclerc, Vasseur refused to single out either driver, instead stressing the responsibility both have towards the wider Ferrari organisation.
"I'm not pointing the finger at one of them. I want to speak to both of them. I think both of them went wide as well. But I think we also need to remember that we represent a brand, we represent sponsors, and we have 2,000 people working behind us. They're not racing for themselves. They're racing for all those people."
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His comments echoed Hamilton's own demand for serious discussions within Ferrari, with the seven-time world champion also believing the team squandered an opportunity to win in Mexico.
Despite his anger, Vasseur believes the quick turnaround before the Brazilian Grand Prix will help Ferrari address the situation without allowing the controversy to drag on.
"The advantage of having so many races in such a short period is that we won't have too much time to think about it. We can sit down tonight or tomorrow morning, discuss it, clear everything up and then immediately turn our attention to Sao Paulo. I think having another race next week is the best thing that could happen to us today."
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