
Ferrari Boss Vasseur Views Elkann's Support as Message to Horner Rumors
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has responded to President John Elkann's public backing, stating the message was primarily directed at 'the third party'—a thinly veiled reference to persistent rumors linking former Red Bull boss Christian Horner to Vasseur's position. This clarification comes amidst ongoing speculation about leadership changes within the Scuderia.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's leadership stability is perennially under scrutiny, and rumors of high-profile personnel changes, even unsubstantiated ones, can destabilize a team aiming to challenge for the championship. Elkann's rare public statement of support for Vasseur is a significant move to quash these distractions and reaffirm the current management structure, allowing the team to focus on performance rather than internal politics.
The Details:
- Rumors Quashed: Prior to the U.S. Grand Prix, media speculation intensified regarding Elkann's potential interest in replacing Vasseur with Christian Horner, the ousted Red Bull Racing boss.
- Elkann's Intervention: John Elkann publicly voiced his full support for Vasseur as team principal, a move Vasseur acknowledges but believes was aimed externally.
- Vasseur's Interpretation: Vasseur stated, "Obviously I think for everybody it's good to have this kind of message. But as we have a permanent contact, we already had the message which was more for the third party and external target." This suggests Vasseur already felt secure in his position and viewed Elkann's statement as a strategic message to the paddock.
- Eliminating Distraction: Vasseur emphasized the importance of Elkann's message in "stopping the discussion" and allowing the team to "focus on the next one and not to reply to all the questions about this," highlighting the disruptive nature of such rumors.
The Big Picture:
Ferrari has been striving for consistent championship contention, and any internal uncertainty at the highest levels can undermine their efforts. Elkann's decisive statement aims to create a more stable environment, essential for a team in F1 where continuous development and focus are paramount. The team's immediate focus, however, remains on improving car performance, as highlighted by driver Charles Leclerc's assessment.
What's next:
With the leadership rumors seemingly put to rest, Ferrari's immediate challenge is to close the performance gap to Red Bull. Charles Leclerc has already tempered expectations for the 2025 season, stating that Ferrari currently lacks a championship-winning car, suggesting their aim for next season might realistically be podium finishes rather than outright wins. The focus will now shift entirely to car development and maximizing current performance, free from the distractions of leadership speculation.
Original Article :https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/ferrari-boss-presidents-message-was-aimed-at-thir...