Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, has expressed concern over rumours about his position at the Scuderia. He finds these speculations disrespectful and believes they harm the team.
Vasseur, who joined Ferrari in 2023, led them to a close finish behind McLaren last season. This year, however, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have widened the gap significantly.
Reports from Italian media about Vasseur’s future surfaced before the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. Lewis Hamilton has shown support for Vasseur, believing he can restore Ferrari’s former glory. Vasseur commented on these rumours, saying they affect the team’s focus and morale. “It’s not about myself,” he stated. “It’s more about the people of the team.”
Vasseur emphasised that such rumours distract from their championship efforts. “When you are fighting for the championship, every single detail makes the difference,” he explained. The focus should be on racing rather than speculation. He added that if causing disruption was the goal of these rumours, then it has been achieved.
This season, Ferrari is second in the constructors’ championship with three podium finishes from Charles Leclerc in nine races. Unfortunately, Leclerc crashed during Friday’s practice session in Montreal and couldn’t continue due to car damage. Despite these setbacks, Vasseur maintains that team spirit remains high.
Vasseur highlighted the positive atmosphere within Ferrari despite external pressures. He noted a strong relationship with drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. “We have a clear target,” he said. “The mood in the team is very good.” This unity is crucial for their recovery and success.
The ongoing challenges faced by Ferrari underscore the importance of maintaining focus amidst distractions. While external factors may attempt to destabilise them, Vasseur remains committed to steering Ferrari towards victory through teamwork and dedication.