Hamilton’s Sepang recovery could ease pressure on Vasseur, says Coulthard

David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton’s recovery to third at Sepang could give Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur some respite from criticism. On the *Up to Speed* podcast, he called Hamilton’s result “probably a welcome respite” for Vasseur.

Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both dropped down the order after starting on the wrong tyres in changeable weather, then recovered to finish third and fourth, respectively. Coulthard said several circumstances helped Hamilton get back into contention; he added that Hamilton would not have achieved the result if he had lost his composure and given up.

Ferrari had already declared its support for Vasseur before the Sepang race. Ferrari’s senior leaders reiterated their full confidence in Vasseur at an emergency press briefing, according to a RacingNews365 report published on 6 October. Vasseur said he remained in daily contact with John Elkann and Vigna; Ferrari denied that his autonomy was restricted.