"It’s his trademark": Lewis Hamilton still does what he did 20 years ago, says Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur

When Lewis Hamilton made his highly anticipated move to Ferrari, it wasn’t just a change of scenery but a reunion with a familiar face—team principal Frederic Vasseur. Their professional relationship dates back to Hamilton’s days in Formula 3 and GP2, where he secured championship victories under Vasseur’s guidance. Now, nearly two decades later, the two have come together again in pursuit of fresh glory in Maranello.

Lewis Hamilton’s journey has been nothing short of legendary, marked by seven world titles and an insatiable drive for excellence. Despite the years that have passed since their last direct collaboration, Vasseur has observed that Hamilton’s core attributes remain unchanged.

“We all change in twenty years, but the common characteristic between the Lewis of today and the Lewis of 20 years ago is that he is extremely demanding,” Vasseur shared in an interview with L’Equipe. “The first to go running in the morning, the first to exercise. It’s his trademark, and he’s kept it.”

This relentless dedication not only pushes Hamilton to his limits but also elevates those around him. Vasseur emphasized that Hamilton’s ability to extract the best from himself makes him just as demanding of his team. His presence at Ferrari has already begun reshaping the culture, reinforcing the need for precision and excellence at every level.

While Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has been met with global excitement, his early races have presented challenges. The Brit’s debut in Melbourne saw him gamble on dry tyres in wet conditions, ultimately resulting in a 10th-place finish. At the Chinese Grand Prix, he delivered a stunning sprint race victory, only to face disqualification from the main event due to excessive plank wear—an unfortunate setback shared by teammate Charles Leclerc for different reasons.
Despite these hiccups, Hamilton’s presence has been transformative behind the scenes. Embracing the Ferrari culture, he has gone the extra mile—literally and figuratively—by immersing himself in the Italian way of life. Learning the language and stationing his motorhome near Enzo Ferrari’s old house are just some of the steps he has taken to fully integrate himself into the team’s legacy.

Vasseur highlighted that Hamilton’s impact extends beyond the track. “We don’t do things like Mercedes, like Red Bull, like McLaren; we all do things differently,” he explained. “Lewis, because of his background, has other demands, he thinks about things differently. And I’m not saying it’s better or worse. But it helps us.”

The dream of an eighth world championship in Ferrari red remains an aspiration for Hamilton and his supporters worldwide. While the season has started with obstacles, his influence on Ferrari’s approach and mentality could be the catalyst for future success. With his experience, skill, and unwavering determination, Hamilton is poised to redefine his legacy in Maranello.
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The road ahead may be challenging, but if history has shown anything, it’s that Lewis Hamilton thrives under pressure. Ferrari’s championship ambitions might just be realized with him leading the charge. Now the question is- can Hamilton write history? Well, we have to wait for sometime!