Ferrari has put to rest any doubts about the future of team principal, Fred Vasseur, by signing him to a new multi-year contract. This decision dispels rumors that Ferrari was considering recruiting Christian Horner, especially following Horner’s departure from Red Bull just weeks prior.
Vasseur’s tenure at Ferrari began in 2023, when he took over from Mattia Binotto. Tasked with revitalizing a team that has not won a drivers’ championship since 2007 and a constructors’ title since 2008, Vasseur faced mounting pressure to deliver results this season. Despite securing five wins in the previous season and finishing second in the constructors’ championship, expectations were high as Ferrari entered what was anticipated to be a competitive year.
However, the team has struggled to meet those expectations, currently trailing McLaren significantly in the standings. Ferrari remains winless this season, which has intensified scrutiny over Vasseur’s role. In light of these challenges, speculation about his job security had surged, particularly within the Italian media. Yet, with the announcement of a contract extension ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Vasseur expressed gratitude for the trust shown by the team and acknowledged the ongoing challenge of driving improvement.
Ferrari praised Vasseur for his extensive experience and ability to foster talent and build competitive teams. They emphasized his role in laying a strong foundation for future success, reflecting their confidence in his capability to return Ferrari to prominence in Formula One.
Currently, Ferrari sits second in the constructors’ championship but is a staggering 268 points behind McLaren. Despite Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the sprint race in China, he remains sixth in the championship and has yet to achieve a podium finish after 13 races—marking the longest stretch of his career without a top-three result to start a season.
Ferrari’s commitment to Vasseur is a hopeful step as they seek to navigate their challenges and strive for better performance moving forward. The team’s management remains optimistic that with consistency and determination, they can improve their standings in the competitive landscape of Formula One.