Ferrari Backs Team Principal Vasseur Amid Speculation

Ferrari is standing by its Formula 1 team principal, Frederic Vasseur, as speculation about his future continues. Vasseur himself has expressed frustration with the persistent questions, noting that the team is currently focused on securing second place in the constructors' championship.

Ferrari had hoped that preparations for the 2026 season, which will introduce significant rule changes for both cars and engines, would position them as championship contenders. While the team's chassis is considered the best on the grid this season, their engine performance has lagged behind rivals Mercedes and Red Bull.

After 15 of the scheduled 23 races, Ferrari sits second in the constructors' standings but trails leaders Mercedes by 160 points. The team is also facing pressure from McLaren, who are 72 points behind in third place.

Lewis Hamilton, when asked about Ferrari's direction under Vasseur, offered a brief "Yes." Vasseur, speaking after a race in Baku, addressed the rumors surrounding his position. "We are not working in the perfect serenity," he said. "For me, first, but for everybody in the team, for the media, for 50% of the questions [to be] about this, it's a bit of a frustrating situation."

He added, "We are fighting for P2 in the championship, and at the end of the day we are all speaking a lot about this, and even for the guys in the garage, to discuss about this, it's the best discussion that we can have. But it is what it is - it's not in my hands."

Vasseur's contract with Ferrari was extended last July with a multi-year agreement, though specific terms were not disclosed. He joined the team at the beginning of 2023, replacing Mattia Binotto, who was removed after a strong start in 2022 was followed by a decline in performance, marked by reliability issues and operational challenges.