Bernie Ecclestone made a notable return to the Formula 1 scene at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, where he observed the sport he played a pivotal role in globalizing. At the age of 94, the former F1 chief appears to be in great health and continues to enjoy retirement after stepping away from active roles in the sport in 2020.
Among the discussions in the paddock is the future of Frederic Vasseur, the current team principal of Ferrari, whose contract is set to end in December 2025 unless renewed. Ecclestone came to Vasseur’s defense, emphasizing that it often takes years for a team to achieve success, drawing parallels to the lengthy championship journeys of Michael Schumacher with Ferrari, Mika Hakkinen with McLaren, and Sebastian Vettel with Red Bull. “You have to give at least five years to lead a team,” he stated.
Ralf Schumacher also supported this viewpoint, noting that successful teams are built over time and recalling instances when key figures, like Jean Todt, faced early career challenges before eventually leading their teams to success.
This perspective highlights the importance of patience in leadership roles within the competitive environment of Formula 1, suggesting that with the right support and time, Vasseur could steer Ferrari back to the top. It serves as a reminder that even the most successful teams have histories of struggles before achieving greatness.
As the F1 season unfolds, fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close watch on Ferrari’s performance and Vasseur’s continued leadership.