Ferrari CEO John Elkann Publicly Backs Team Principal Fred Vasseur Amidst Speculation

Ferrari CEO John Elkann has made an unusual public declaration of "full confidence" in Formula 1 team principal Fred Vasseur. This move comes as Ferrari navigates a challenging 2025 F1 season without a win and persistent rumors surrounding Vasseur's position.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's public support for Vasseur aims to quell disruptive speculation and stabilize the team's focus during a difficult period. This rare intervention from the CEO underscores the intensity of internal and external pressure on the team and highlights the critical need for unity to improve on-track performance and prepare for future seasons.

The Details:

• Persistent Rumors: Despite Ferrari extending Vasseur's contract for several years in July, rumors about his future intensified. Recent reports, particularly after the Singapore Grand Prix, suggested Ferrari was in talks with former Red Bull boss Christian Horner for a 2026 team principal role.
• Horner's Stance: The Race understands that while Horner had contact with a senior Ferrari representative, discussions about a role at Maranello did not occur. Sources clarify Horner has no interest in becoming Ferrari's team principal, having previously declined the offer in 2022. Horner's ambition lies in an F1 ownership structure, possibly as part of a new team consortium.
• Elkann's Intervention: In an unexpected move, Elkann issued a statement during the United States GP weekend, expressing "full confidence" in Vasseur and the entire Scuderia Ferrari team. This public endorsement contrasts with Ferrari's previous silence on rumors surrounding Vasseur's job earlier in the season.
• Hamilton's View: Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, whose first season with Ferrari has been below expectations, acknowledged the Horner rumors as an "unwelcome distraction." He emphasized the team's commitment to Vasseur and the importance of focusing on future performance and development.
  • Hamilton stated, "The team have made it clear where they stand in terms of re-signing Fred, and Fred and I and the whole team are working really hard on the future for the team."
  • He added that such rumors are "not helpful" and can be "distracting" for the factory team, urging focus on improving next year's car.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's 2025 season has been challenging, marked by a winless streak and heightened scrutiny. The public declaration of confidence by Elkann signifies a strategic attempt to reinforce leadership and mitigate external pressures that could derail team morale and future planning. This move aims to project stability and unity, essential for a team striving to return to championship contention. The focus now shifts to how this vote of confidence translates into improved performance and a more stable environment for development.

What's Next:

With Elkann's clear backing, Vasseur is expected to continue leading Ferrari's efforts to enhance their competitive edge. The immediate focus will be on optimizing current performance for the remainder of the season and, crucially, on the development of the 2026 car. The stability provided by this public endorsement could allow the team to concentrate on technical advancements and strategic planning without the shadow of leadership uncertainty. The challenge for Vasseur will be to convert this confidence into tangible on-track results and regain consistent competitiveness.