Vasseur Shrugs Off Ferrari Pressure, Focused on Future Amidst Scrutiny

Fred Vasseur, nearly two years into his role as Ferrari Team Principal, candidly admits he anticipated the intense scrutiny and criticism that comes with leading Formula 1's most iconic team. Despite a challenging 2025 season so far, with the SF-25 proving inconsistent and no Grand Prix wins, Vasseur remains unperturbed, focusing instead on delivering results amidst relentless pressure.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's ongoing championship drought amplifies the pressure on any team principal, and Vasseur's pragmatic approach to this intense environment is key to navigating the team's future. His ability to block out external noise and maintain focus on performance will be critical if Ferrari is to return to title contention and end its long wait for F1 glory.

The details:

• Anticipated Pressure: Vasseur, a 30-year veteran of motorsport, stated he 'knew perfectly that I will be exposed, I will get s**t' upon taking the Ferrari helm, highlighting his awareness of the unique demands of the role.
• Inconsistent Performance: The 2025 season has been tough, with neither Charles Leclerc nor Lewis Hamilton securing a Grand Prix win. The SF-25 has shown flashes of pace but suffers from inconsistency, as evidenced by Hamilton's recent China sprint win being overturned due to a plank wear disqualification.
• Reliability Issues: The disqualification exposed 'ride-height riddles' and a subsequent loss of confidence, forcing the team to adopt a more conservative approach.
• External vs. Internal Pressure: Vasseur acknowledges the inherent pressure in F1 but emphasizes the need to manage it effectively, stating, 'I think you have enough pressure on track to not get pressure at home. We know that we need to deliver. We need to get results.'
• Contract Renewal: Both Leclerc and Hamilton have publicly supported Vasseur, and Ferrari recently renewed his contract, signaling confidence from the Maranello hierarchy despite current challenges.

Between the lines:

Vasseur's ability to 'tune out' the media speculation and constant scrutiny is a deliberate strategy to shield the team from unnecessary distractions. In a team as historically significant and passionately followed as Ferrari, managing external expectations while focusing on internal development is a monumental task. His calm demeanor and focus on the technical path forward, rather than succumbing to emotional reactions, are crucial leadership traits in this high-stakes environment. The public backing from his star drivers and the contract extension underscore the internal belief in his long-term vision.

What's next:

Vasseur's immediate focus is on improving the SF-25's consistency and pushing for Grand Prix victories. With his contract renewed, he aims to put the past behind and concentrate solely on future performance. The path back to F1 supremacy for Ferrari will be challenging, but Vasseur's resolve suggests he is prepared for the long haul, embracing the 's**t' that comes with the territory as part of the journey.