Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur fiercely defends Lewis Hamilton despite his rocky start with the Scuderia, while Red Bull shocks fans by accepting Max Verstappen’s penalty

In a week filled with tension and unexpected decisions, two major developments in the world of Formula 1 have left fans and experts alike reeling. Lewis Hamilton’s future with Ferrari remains uncertain as the team’s boss, Fred Vasseur, delivered a shocking statement in his defence. Meanwhile, Red Bull has decided to accept a controversial penalty handed to Max Verstappen during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, a move that will undoubtedly alter the trajectory of the championship race.

At the heart of this story lies Hamilton, whose highly publicised move from Mercedes to Ferrari this winter had promised a new chapter in his illustrious career. However, the reality has not been kind to the seven-time World Champion. Struggling to adapt to his new team and car, Hamilton’s performances have been subpar, with critics quick to point out his struggles. In a dramatic turn of events, Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, publicly threw his unwavering support behind the driver, calling it “utter nonsense” to suggest that Hamilton’s form had deteriorated significantly. Vasseur’s fiery defence came after media reports suggested that some of Ferrari’s upper management were growing frustrated with the legendary driver’s early-season struggles.

Vasseur’s passionate backing of Hamilton reflects a deeper commitment to the driver’s future at Ferrari. “I am 2,000 per cent behind Lewis,” Vasseur stated, a statement that underscores the team’s dedication to standing by their star signing. Despite the mounting pressure and the team’s poor results, Vasseur’s bold words serve to show that Ferrari is not giving up on Hamilton just yet. This firm stance from the team principal comes at a critical time, with Hamilton being under immense scrutiny from fans, media, and pundits.

The story is far from over, however. Hamilton’s future at Ferrari may hang in the balance as the season progresses, but for now, Vasseur’s confidence in the British driver remains unshaken. The controversy surrounding Hamilton’s performance continues to rage, leaving many to wonder if Ferrari’s faith in him will be enough to turn around what has so far been a challenging season.

While Hamilton faces his own battles within Ferrari, the focus shifts momentarily to Red Bull, where Max Verstappen’s fate has become a topic of intense debate. The reigning World Champion was handed a five-second penalty during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after leaving the track and gaining an advantage over McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The penalty came at a crucial moment in the race and left Verstappen visibly frustrated. Red Bull, initially furious with the decision, seemed poised to appeal the ruling and challenge the sanction.

However, in an unexpected move, Red Bull chose not to pursue the appeal. Team principal Christian Horner had originally described the penalty as “harsh” and voiced his discontent publicly, suggesting that the punishment did not fit the crime. Despite this, the team opted against requesting a right of review, accepting the penalty without further protest. This decision shocked many in the paddock, as it was widely anticipated that Red Bull would launch an appeal in the hope of overturning the sanction.

The decision not to appeal Verstappen’s penalty has significant implications. Red Bull’s acceptance of the ruling indicates a willingness to move on from the controversy and focus on the upcoming races. However, for Verstappen, this penalty has left a bitter taste. The reigning champion, known for his fierce competitiveness and refusal to accept defeat easily, will undoubtedly be aiming to bounce back in the next race and demonstrate his dominance once again.

Meanwhile, as both Hamilton and Verstappen navigate their respective challenges, the F1 2025 season continues to unfold with drama, high emotions, and plenty of surprises. With both Ferrari and Red Bull at the centre of the storm, the championship race is bound to get even more intense as the season progresses.