Vasseur Defends Ferrari’s Team Orders in Miami Amid… Read more
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has stood by the team’s controversial decision to implement team orders during the 2025 Miami Grand Prix, involving drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The situation unfolded in the closing stages of the race when Hamilton, running on a faster medium tyre strategy, was behind Leclerc, who was on the harder compound.
Hamilton believed he had the pace to challenge Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli ahead and suggested over team radio that he be allowed to pass Leclerc. However, Ferrari hesitated, evaluating whether Hamilton’s apparent speed advantage was genuine or merely a result of the DRS (Drag Reduction System) effect. During this delay, Hamilton expressed visible frustration, sarcastically remarking that the team should “have a tea break while you are at it.”
Eventually, Ferrari made the call to switch positions. Hamilton passed Leclerc but was unable to close the gap to Antonelli. As per Ferrari’s policy, when it became clear that Hamilton couldn’t make progress, the team asked for the positions to be reversed. Leclerc complied, although he seemed reluctant, telling the team they would “talk about it later.” Hamilton, who reportedly hadn’t yet received the instruction when the conversation began with Leclerc, followed the order once it reached him.
Addressing the delay in making the initial decision, Vasseur said, “It didn’t take so long—maybe a lap and a half.” He emphasized that the team needed to be sure Hamilton’s pace wasn’t solely boosted by DRS before issuing the order. He acknowledged that acting sooner might have been more effective but stressed that these calls are difficult to make in real-time.
Vasseur also praised both drivers for respecting the orders and highlighted that not many teams would have made such a tough call. “It’s never easy to ask Charles or Lewis to swap,” he said. “But we did it, and they executed it on track.”
On the matter of reversing the positions, Vasseur explained Ferrari’s policy: if a driver is allowed through based on strategy and cannot capitalize, they must return the place. He maintained that the decision was fair and consistent with team principles.
Regarding Hamilton’s frustration, Vasseur admitted it was understandable. “They are champions. They want to fight and win races. Being asked to let your teammate pass is never easy,” he said. Still, he stressed that Ferrari prioritized the team over individual interests.
Concluding, Vasseur shifted attention to Ferrari’s overall performance, noting the team finished almost a minute behind McLaren, which he viewed as the more pressing issue to address.
