Ferrari highlight ‘no-name discussion’ behind early Lewis Hamilton success

So what has changed inside Ferrari and with Lewis Hamilton in a week? From nowhere in Australia to sprint winner in China.

Hamilton Vasseur

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has made clear the Scuderia’s ‘no-name’ approach has been crucial so far for Lewis Hamilton’s rapid u-turn in form following a difficult debut weekend.

Vasseur’s terminology references the fact he does not want to highlight an individual – including Hamilton – for any success Ferrari enjoys. As far as he is concerned, a united team achieves success.

A week on from a tough season-opening weekend in Australia, where Hamilton managed to salvage 10th in difficult conditions, the seven-time F1 champion has so far shown in China he could be a significant factor in the championships.

Hamilton converted pole position in the sprint into a seven-second victory over McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, with Max Verstappen third in his Red Bull after his early challenge on his old rival faded.

Asked on Sky Sports F1 whether Hamilton’s early success was due to Hamilton influencing the team, or simply the team itself, Vasseur said: “This is a no-name discussion, and you can always have this kind of approach.

“It was true for Lando [Norris] last week [in Australia]. Is it Lando, or is it the car? Is it [Oscar] Piastri, or is it the car?

“It’s a combination, not only in terms of speed but in terms of approach, the management of the weekend.

“He [Hamilton] is part of the group, as with Charles [Leclerc], and the fact that we have a good emulation between them is also helping the team, and it will be key for us.”

All about the details with Hamilton

Vasseur at least highlighted the fact Hamilton’s detailed approach, given his experience of being a multiple race and title winner, has naturally played a role.

“It’s more about details than something else,” he said. “He is not changing the life of the team, he is not changing our approach. We had a good season last year, and we have to build from there.

“It’s true that when you have the experience of someone, each driver is different. He’s come with his background, his experience, and he’s helping the team to move forward and progress.

“But we have to stay calm. It’s not because we had a good Saturday that we are world champions, and it’s not because we were nowhere last week that we are not champions today.”