Fred Vasseur interrupts Sky F1 reporter with snappy response to Lewis Hamilton question

Fred Vasseur took exception to Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater's question about Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Ferrari boss brought up the broadcaster's positive review of the Brit's Belgian Grand Prix performance to bat off concerns about his form. Expectations were sky high heading into Hamilton's first season with Ferrari, but the seven-time world champion has faced a daunting learning curve at Maranello.

After 13 rounds of the 2025 campaign, he remains without a podium finish and trails team-mate Charles Leclerc by 30 points in the Drivers' Championship standings. However, Vasseur continues to defend his driver, brushing off concerns about his form. When asked about the performance level by Slater ahead of qualifying, he cut the reporter off, replying: "I think it's on Sky that last week you said he had a fantastic race... no? Yes? Okay, good. Thank you."

Vasseur then gave Slater a tap on the shoulder before being hit with one final question. In defending his marquee signing, the Frenchman returned the favour after Hamilton repeatedly backed his team principal amidst speculation over his future earlier this year.

In the end, Ferrari opted against dismissing their team principal. Instead, Vasseur was handed a multi-year contract extension ahead of the Hungarian GP, extending the 57-year-old's project deep into the new technical regulations.

According to Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, the organisation's senior leadership never seriously considered replacing the former Sauber boss. "We made the decision to give continuity to our team and to offer our personnel the chance to fully realize the projects they have started," he said after the announcement.

"We have always spoken internally about a contract renewal, which in fact occurred within the expected timeline. What matters is allowing sufficient time to build a solid and competitive team.

"Historically, every team principal has needed slightly more than three years to fully implement their own vision and strategic project. We have never spoken with or considered any other candidates."

Ferrari's patience with Vasseur produced some immediate pay-off in Hungary. Mere days after declaring that the Hungaroring was his worst F1 circuit, Leclerc stormed to a surprise pole position, pipping title contenders Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris with a majestic final lap.

Unfortunately for Vasseur, his pre-qualifying defence did little to improve Hamilton's mood. He was distraught after qualifying down in 12th, labelling himself "useless" and telling his boss to "change driver" if he wants an end to the struggle.

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