Ferrari make clear Lewis Hamilton declaration: 'We underestimated the challenge'

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has made a clear declaration that the Italian outfit possibly "underestimated" how difficult Lewis Hamilton's transition would be.

The seven-time world champion has struggled adjusting to life at the Maranello-based outfit following his move from Mercedes, resulting in some shocking comments in Hungary. 

Hamilton described himself as "useless" after qualifying in 12th for the Hungarian Grand Prix, before adding that the team should sign a new driver to replace him. 

Understanding how to get the most out of the SF-25 has been a huge challenge for Hamilton, particularly as Charles Leclerc has put together several strong results. 

In 2025, Leclerc has claimed a pole position and five podiums, whilst Hamilton is yet to finish on a grand prix rostrum for the Scuderia.

He has faced challenges getting used to working with race engineer Ricardo Adami, and just how Ferrari operates in general compared to Mercedes. 

As highlighted by Vasseur, Hamilton spent 20 years racing with a Mercedes-powered package, making the environment at Ferrari a completely new experience for the 40-year-old, requiring time to settle.

"I think perhaps that we underestimate the challenge for Lewis at the beginning of the season," Vasseur told F1. 

"He spent almost 10 years with McLaren and then 10 years with Mercedes – that’s almost 20 years with Mercedes in the same environment.

"It was a huge change for Lewis in terms of culture, in terms of people around him, in terms of software, in terms of car, in terms of every single topic was a big change perhaps that we underestimate this, Lewis and myself

"But I'm very, very pleased because the last four or five races he was back into the pace."