News summary
- Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur says Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s suggestions are valuable, even when the team cannot implement every request.
- Hamilton’s feedback contributed to changes at Ferrari, including adjustments to the SF-26 and internal procedures after his difficult first season with the team in 2025.
- Vasseur believes drivers can identify weaknesses from a different perspective, making collaboration and open debate essential to Ferrari’s development.
Although Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are constantly looking for ways to help Ferrari develop its Formula 1 car, Frédéric Vasseur explained that it is not always possible to fulfill every request made by the duo. Nevertheless, the Ferrari team principal emphasized that he tries to understand the drivers’ perspective, even when they do not have a complete view of a particular issue.
After a difficult first season with the Maranello outfit in 2025, the seven-time world champion submitted several reports outlining changes he believed were necessary both for the SF-26 and for Ferrari’s behind-the-scenes procedures. After adopting many of those suggestions, the Italian team began the new regulations on a more competitive footing, scoring victories at the Spanish and British Grands Prix.
Changes have continued to be introduced during the season, including adjustments to the brakes. At the Japanese GP weekend, Hamilton decided to replace Brembo discs — Ferrari’s long-standing brake partner in F1 since 1975 — with products from Carbon Industrie. Leclerc subsequently made the same switch after his crash at the Monaco GP, as Ferrari continued to evaluate different solutions.
“Suggestions are always welcome. That goes for Lewis, that goes for Charles. It goes for each and every one of the drivers,” Vasseur said in an interview with British magazine Autosport. “After every test, they come with a list of things they would like to improve. On that list, some things are beyond our reach, because they cannot be done in the best interests of the team, and they understand that very quickly. From the team’s perspective, it doesn’t make sense because of the cost cap or whatever the reason may be,” he added.
“Sometimes, they don’t have a complete view of the situation, but at least it is useful for me to understand which areas they believe are our weaknesses. Sometimes, thanks to their input, you understand something because you were focused on the team’s perspective and realize that, for the drivers, it is a little different,” the Frenchman explained.
“One of the fundamental qualities of drivers is their ability to contribute to the development of the team. In the worst-case scenario, when you start a discussion, you have the feeling that the other person is looking for an excuse, but when there is a good relationship, it is never about an excuse. We have this positive attitude of helping each other and understanding that the other person may have a different point of view,” Vasseur said.
“I am not always right, and I am not always wrong. Only through collaboration, debate and the exchange of ideas are we going to improve,” Vasseur concluded.
Hamilton and Leclerc will also compete with a special Ferrari livery at the Italian GP, with the team paying tribute to Michael Schumacher. The Scuderia has prepared a special SF-26 design for the Monza weekend, while Rubens Barrichello and Sebastian Vettel are set to drive Schumacher’s iconic F2002 as part of the celebrations.
The Formula 1 season returns this weekend, from September 4 to 6, at Monza. Check the Italian GP 2026 schedule and full session times for all the details. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 season.
FAQ
1. Why can’t Ferrari always follow Hamilton and Leclerc’s suggestions?
According to Vasseur, some requests are not feasible within the team’s constraints, including the F1 cost cap and decisions that may not make sense from Ferrari’s overall perspective.
2. How does Ferrari use feedback from its drivers?
Vasseur says the drivers’ feedback helps the team identify weaknesses that may not be obvious from the engineers’ perspective. Their different viewpoint can reveal areas where Ferrari can improve.
3. What is Ferrari preparing for the 2026 Italian GP?
Ferrari will run a special SF-26 livery honoring Michael Schumacher at Monza. Hamilton and Leclerc will race with the commemorative design during the Italian GP weekend.
