LEWIS HAMILTON has jumped to the defence of Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur amid rumours of Christian Horner joining the team.
Vasseur’s position at Ferrari has come under some scrutiny in recent weeks, and that
When the seven-time world champion was describing Ferrari’s recent struggles he said: “Ultimately it comes from the top. It trickles down decisions.
“It starts with Fred.”
Three disappointing races in Monza, Madrid and Azerbaijan, last time out, has left Hamilton 103 points off .
But Hamilton said ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix which is being held in Malaysia this weekend: “Fred is a fantastic leader. He really is the guy to take this team in the right direction,”
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“He’s helped us get to the second in the constructors’ championship. That’s a huge step from last year.”
Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc brushed off the “silly rumours” and added: “I’ve always said how much I trust Fred and how important he is for the team. We have a very special relationship,”
after losing his Red Bull job last year.
The 52-year-old recently described in an interview the Ferrari gig as “the dream”.
He also said that he would accept a team principal role at Ferrari without demanding an equity stake, something he would not do at any other team.
Ferrari has struggled for form this year, winning just two races in a season it hoped would see it launch a significant championship threat.
Hamilton suffered a first DNF of the season in Madrid last month and has not stood on the podium since the British Grand Prix at the start of July.
He was recently accused by Sky Sports pundit David Croft of “undermining” Fred after the British driver said he had a great relationship with executive chairman John Elkann.
Hamilton added: “The deficit we have is simply just on engine and that’s something we don’t shy away from,
“We know that every weekend we carry a four-tenths deficit, if not sometimes six-tenths, just in straight line power.
“We’re aware of it and that’s something we need to try and work on, and they’re working extremely hard to try and fix that for next year.”
Leclerc suggested Ferrari’s problems extended beyond power output.
He said: “Sure, we have a power deficit compared to our competitors, but it doesn’t only come down to that,
“In terms of chassis and aero as well, the others are catching up and have brought significant upgrades recently, which makes them very strong in the corners. We need to improve on every front.”
