Ferrari 'protection' branded crucial despite progress failure

The tight bond that has formed between Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur has been highlighted as crucial for the future of Ferrari despite the claimed lack of progress under the Frenchman as team principal.

Vasseur, who has been in charge of Ferrari for two and a half years, came within 14 points of guiding the Scuderia to its first title in 16 years last season, only to fall short in the constructors' championship to McLaren.

The team was expected to again take the fight to McLaren this term, in particular after signing seven-time F1 champion Hamilton to partner Leclerc.

However, going into the upcoming summer shutdown for all the teams, and although second again in the constructors' standings, Ferrari is a staggering 299 points behind a dominant McLaren force, and is without a grand prix victory.

Leclerc has at least scored five podiums; as for Hamilton, it has been a season of struggle as he is still searching for his first top-three finish, with his only note of success being his sprint victory in China.

Despite Ferrari languishing so far adrift of McLaren, Vasseur was rewarded with a contract extension by chairman John Elkann, in between the recent Belgian and Hungarian Grands Prix.

Vasseur has also developed a strong relationship with Leclerc and Hamilton. The latter has said he would not have signed for the team without Vasseur in charge.

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 champion, can appreciate the bond proving vital for Ferrari going forward, even if he feels Vasseur has not been a success so far.

Asked whether Ferrari had made the right choice in re-signing Vasseur, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Villeneuve said: "That's impossible to say, because what really matters in a team is how it works internally.

"If they choose to continue with him, it means that the drivers are happy to continue working with him and feel protected by Fred.

"The three of them have formed a group, and that could be good for the future.

"However, if we base our assessment solely on the team's results, we cannot ignore the fact that no progress has been made and 
Ferrari has not become successful again with him."

Villeneuve, though, feels a change now would have undermined the work achieved under Vasseur as Ferrari builds towards the major regulation change for next season. A newcomer would have been stepping into the middle of the programme.

"It is certainly difficult to change team bosses when new, highly complex rules, such as those we will have in Formula 1 next year, apply," added Villeneuve.

"The choice not to change is the easiest one at the moment.

"However, I think the concept of continuity only makes sense when things are going well: if it doesn't work, it's always better to change."