Overview
- Frédéric Vasseur said he and Lewis Hamilton "stupidly" underestimated the challenge of transitioning after nearly two decades in the Mercedes ecosystem.
- He said announcing Hamilton’s signing before the season was designed to prevent "panic mode" and give Carlos Sainz time to process the decision.
- Vasseur rejected Toto Wolff’s suggestion that Hamilton’s driving style is the core issue, pointing instead to adaptation, fine margins and what he called recent bad luck.
- Hamilton remains without a Grand Prix podium and sat sixth at the summer break, having called himself "useless" in Hungary after qualifying 12th as Charles Leclerc took pole.
- Speculation about Ferrari’s options has resurfaced, with ex‑driver Johnny Herbert suggesting Carlos Sainz could be considered if Hamilton were to walk away, a scenario presented as conjecture.