Ferrari’s late-season push to reassert themselves as McLaren’s closest rivals has been brought sharply into focus at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, with team principal Fred Vasseur openly at odds with new recruit Lewis Hamilton’s qualifying performance.
The spotlight shone on Ferrari as Charles Leclerc delivered a spectacular pole position at the Hungaroring, but the contrast with Hamilton’s struggles was impossible to ignore
Ferrari arrived in Hungary with high expectations, buoyed by the latest upgrades to the SF-25 and the goal of cementing themselves as Formula 1’s second force ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull.
Since introducing technical innovations like a new rear suspension, Ferrari have consistently challenged for top results, with Charles Leclerc finishing just behind the McLarens in Belgium and once again showing strong pace in Friday practice.
Yet qualifying for the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix was a story of two very different fortunes under the same garage roof. Leclerc made the most of improved conditions in Q3, snatching an unexpected but well-earned pole position, his latest display of one-lap excellence.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton endured a shock elimination in Q2, ending up 13th at a circuit where he has previously dominated. The poor showing from Hamilton, on one of his favourite tracks, set alarm bells ringing within the team just days after his contract extension.
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Vasseur reflects on mixed emotions after qualifying
After the session, Vasseur did not shy away from addressing both the highs and the lows. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the Ferrari boss said: “It was the hardest pole we have achieved. We have always struggled to get the tyres into the right window this season, and we were almost out in Q2.
“We survived by a tenth. Charles finally got the tyres switched on. Everything is so sensitive, between first and tenth, the margin is tiny. In the end, everyone was on the edge.
“There were many ups and downs but in the end, we were stronger than expected. We must remember how difficult this session was, and we need to learn from it for the future.”
The Frenchman then turned his attention to the technical keys that can make or break a qualifying session at the Hungaroring, with a pointed reference to Hamilton’s woes.
“We know that the out lap is crucial,” Vasseur went on. “If you overheat the tyres in Turn 1, you risk trouble at the end of the lap, or you just slide too much.
“Hamilton was out in Q2, Charles only just made it. Lewis missed it by a few hundredths, but managing the out lap is always tough. Of course he’s frustrated, but it was only a few tenths that made the difference.
“It’s a shame. We have to learn from this: the result is good, but we cannot rest on our laurels.”
Vasseur added that race pace remains the team’s strength, stating: “In the race simulation we were consistent, similar to McLaren. We need to focus on ourselves, manage the tyres, and nail the strategy. If we do that, everything will be fine.”
For now, Ferrari are relishing their moment in the spotlight, but know that more hard work lies ahead if they are to maintain momentum against the relentless charge of McLaren.
