Hamilton gives Vasseur "full trust and support" ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang
Lewis Hamilton used his pre-race press session at Sepang to praise Malaysia, call the circuit one of the calendar's most demanding, and publicly back Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.
- 1 October 2026
- 2026
What Happened
Lewis Hamilton spoke to journalists on Thursday ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, which this year is being staged at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit. The Scuderia Ferrari HP driver reflected on his previous visits to the country, saying his strongest memories are linked to the time he has spent in Malaysia away from the racetrack. He said he has always enjoyed coming to Malaysia and that it was great to be back.
“I've always enjoyed coming here. Malaysia is a beautiful country and I've had the opportunity to visit different places over the years. It's somewhere I've always enjoyed spending time and it's great to be back.”
Hamilton described Sepang as one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar and a unique challenge. He pointed to its several high-speed sections and the need for a car that gives the driver confidence through quick changes of direction. The track, he said, really tests both the car and the driver, so finding the right balance from the start of the weekend will be important.
“It's a fantastic track to drive. It has several high-speed sections and you need a car that gives you confidence through the quick changes of direction. It's a circuit that really tests both the car and the driver, so finding the right balance from the start of the weekend will be important.”
- Do the best job possible every time the team goes on track
- Build momentum, keep improving and maximise every opportunity
- Everyone, both trackside and at the factory, continues to push incredibly hard every day
- There are some great venues still to come on the calendar
“Fred has my full trust and support. What matters most is that everyone can focus on their job. The less noise and distraction there is around the team, the better. We have a great group of people, we're working well together and the important thing is to keep our focus on racing and improving as a team.”
Previously from Ferrari N.V.
Ferrari is contesting the Bahrain Grand Prix, the 16th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit — Formula 1's first visit to Malaysia since 2017. At the previous round, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc finished fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth, a 20-point haul that consolidated Ferrari's second place in the Constructors' championship.
- Ferrari returns to Sepang for the Bahrain Grand Prix, F1's first visit to Malaysia since 2017
- Leclerc fourth, Hamilton sixth as Ferrari takes 20 points in Baku
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Ferrari N.V.'s official releases.
Why this matters
Hamilton is one of Formula 1's most high-profile drivers, so his words set the tone for Ferrari as the season moves into its final stretch. His explicit backing of team principal Fred Vasseur speaks directly to the value he places on stability, saying the less noise and distraction around the team the better. That matters most to Ferrari's team members and its fans, who now hear the driver's own account of how the squad is working.
Terms in This Story
- Team Principal
- The senior manager who runs a Formula 1 team, overseeing racing operations and the people working both at the track and at the factory.
- Grand Prix
- An individual Formula 1 race weekend, usually named after the country or city where it is held.
- Scuderia
- Italian for 'stable' or 'racing team'; used as the name of Ferrari's factory racing operation.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.