Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has admitted the relationship with Lewis Hamilton has naturally developed into a stronger position this year.
Hamilton joined the Italian squad in 2025 but endured a miserable opening campaign, failing to register a single podium finish.
However, the seven-time champion has enjoyed a much stronger start to the new season across the opening two rounds, scoring a third-place finish in China.
Vasseur insisted Hamilton is in a much more comfortable position compared to 12 months ago, having been fully involved in the design of the 2026 car.
“Honestly, it’s always much easier the second one, because you are part of the project,” Vasseur told media including RacingNews365.
“From the beginning, he was in the simulator in the middle of 2025 when we started the project.
“He feels also a bit more involved in the project than he was one year ago. When he joined the team in January, the car was there.
“He knows everybody a little bit more, the relationship is getting better and better.
“It’s also easier for him to deal with people and to work with everybody.”
Ferrari has commenced the season trailing front-runners Mercedes, who have won the opening two rounds of the campaign.
Vasseur commented that Hamilton's comfort will go a long way towards Ferrari's mission to chase down the Brackley-based squad.
“Step by step, we have to do marginal gains because it’s like this that we will close the gap.”
Originally published by RacingNews365 —
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