Ferrari Denies Fred Vasseur Replacement Rumors Amid Christian Horner Speculation

Rumors suggesting Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur might be replaced by former Red Bull boss Christian Horner are unfounded, despite recent reports. Ferrari chairman John Elkann is not seriously considering replacing Vasseur, who signed a multi-year contract extension just months ago.

Why it matters:

After a disappointing 2025 F1 season, Ferrari's stability in leadership is crucial. Dispelling these rumors confirms Vasseur's continued role and helps the team focus on resolving performance issues, rather than being distracted by internal speculation, which is vital for long-term success and team morale.

The Details:

• Vasseur's Job Security: PlanetF1.com understands that claims of Vasseur's position being under threat are inaccurate. This comes after wild reports suggested Elkann was considering a change, despite Vasseur's recent contract extension ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
• Disappointing Season: Ferrari has struggled in the 2025 F1 season, failing to secure a win in 18 races. The SF-25 car, driven by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, has been plagued by a fundamental ride height issue. This problem led to Hamilton’s disqualification in China due to excessive skid-block wear, forcing Ferrari to compromise performance by raising the car's ride height.
• Horner's Situation: Christian Horner officially left Red Bull last month with a $100 million settlement. He is expected to return to F1 sometime in the 2026 season, but he is prioritizing a shareholding or ownership role, rather than a team principal position.
• Ferrari's Structure: A shareholding or ownership role at Ferrari is highly unlikely for Horner, given that the company is predominantly publicly owned (68.19%), with the remainder split between Exor N.V. (21.20%) and Piero Ferrari (10.61%). Ferrari's 'hire-and-fire' policy, with Vasseur being the fourth team boss since 2014, also likely deters Horner.
• Vasseur's Frustration: Vasseur expressed significant anger over the rumors, stating they went "too far" and negatively impacted the team. He believes the speculation delayed his contract resolution and created unnecessary "noise" that affected the Ferrari workforce, especially in Italy, where reactions tend to be more emotional.

What's next:

With Vasseur's position confirmed, Ferrari's focus will shift entirely to improving the SF-25 and preparing for future seasons. Resolving the inherent ride height issue will be paramount, and the team will need to ensure stability and clear communication to prevent further internal distractions. Horner's future F1 comeback will likely be with a team where an ownership stake is feasible, not with Ferrari.