The announcement that Fred Vasseur would stay on as Ferrari’s Formula 1 team principal with a new multi-year contract came as a surprise just ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. His future at the helm had been uncertain after several months of intense scrutiny, especially following a lackluster performance in the 2025 season.

Vasseur’s original contract was set to expire this year, and speculation about his replacement intensified in the wake of Ferrari’s struggles.

However, in a bold move, Ferrari opted to back the Frenchman, signaling confidence in his leadership despite mounting pressure from various factions, including the Italian media.

This move raises questions about what convinced Ferrari to extend Vasseur’s tenure and why the announcement came at this specific moment. Was it the result of behind-the-scenes support, or does it reflect a broader understanding of the team’s long-term goals and the patience required to build lasting success?

A Test of Leadership Under Pressure

Vasseur’s leadership at Ferrari has been under intense scrutiny since he took over in January 2023. As the team’s first non-Italian principal in nearly two decades, his appointment was always going to be controversial, especially among those loyal to the previous regime under Mattia Binotto. The change was not merely one of leadership style but also reflected the challenge of bringing fresh ideas to one of the most high-pressure roles in motorsport. Vasseur, with a reputation for calmness and methodical decision-making, stood in stark contrast to the more turbulent management style of his predecessor.

In June 2024, ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, the Italian press ran a series of reports suggesting that Ferrari was seriously considering replacing Vasseur. These stories were linked to a recent board meeting, and it was implied that the decision was already being discussed at the highest levels of Ferrari’s management. Such reports put Vasseur’s position in jeopardy, but he weathered the storm with his usual calm demeanor. What followed was a striking silence from the team, rather than any immediate public reaffirmation of his leadership, which left many wondering if this meant Ferrari was preparing to pull the trigger on a change.

However, the announcement of Vasseur’s new contract changed the narrative. The fact that Ferrari chose to announce his extended stay just before the summer break sends a clear message: the team continues to back him. While Ferrari’s bosses are typically quick to act when the team principal is under pressure, in this case, the delay in a decision seemed to indicate a deeper level of internal support for Vasseur. Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari’s CEO, used the term “trust” to emphasize the faith the company’s leadership has in Vasseur’s ability to guide the team through the challenges ahead.

The Calm Within the Storm

Despite a difficult 2025 season, Vasseur’s calm and methodical approach has yielded some positive changes within Ferrari. Under his leadership, the team has become more organized and cohesive. Ferrari has been more competitive, with clear improvements in trackside execution, strategy, and car development. Last season, the team was narrowly defeated by McLaren for the constructor’s championship, finishing just 14 points behind, a testament to the strides Ferrari had made under Vasseur’s direction.

However, 2025 has been more challenging, with no wins so far and fewer signs of progress compared to the previous season. Still, the team’s performance is not an anomaly in the unpredictable world of F1, where the difference between success and failure can be minuscule. Despite the setbacks, Vasseur’s management has kept the team focused on long-term goals, ensuring that the short-term struggles do not disrupt the bigger picture.

His ability to remain calm in the face of pressure has been a crucial asset for Ferrari. Even when the media and fans have demanded answers, Vasseur has stuck to his plan, never succumbing to panic or rash decisions. This approach has been instrumental in maintaining morale within the team, especially when facing criticism for strategic errors or a lack of race victories. Ferrari’s pitstop blunders, once the subject of ridicule, have become fewer, and the team’s communication and coordination have improved under Vasseur’s guidance.

Building a Strong Foundation

One of the key aspects of Vasseur’s leadership has been his focus on laying a strong foundation for Ferrari’s future. F1 teams operate like oil tankers, where changes take time to implement and require significant planning and patience. Vasseur has never shied away from the fact that his work would take years to fully materialize, understanding that reshaping a historic team like Ferrari is not a quick fix.

A prime example of this is Vasseur’s technical restructuring of Ferrari’s operations. In 2023, he brought in Loic Serra from Mercedes, a move that did not yield immediate results but was part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Ferrari’s technical department. Serra only joined Ferrari in October 2024, and by then, the car for the current season had already been developed, so his influence on this year’s car was minimal. However, the decision to bring in fresh expertise and build a new technical team reflects Vasseur’s commitment to Ferrari’s long-term success. Such changes often take years to manifest in results, especially in a sport as technologically demanding as F1.

The Best Fit for Ferrari?

The decision to keep Vasseur at the helm also comes in the context of Ferrari’s recent history of managerial instability. Over the past two decades, Ferrari has gone through six different team principals, including Jean Todt, Stefano Domenicali, Marco Mattiacci, Maurizio Arrivabene, and Mattia Binotto. The team has won just three championships since 2008, compared to Red Bull’s 14 titles over the same period. This cycle of leadership changes has often hindered Ferrari’s progress, and it was crucial for the team to avoid another managerial upheaval.

In this context, the decision to extend Vasseur’s contract signals Ferrari’s belief in stability. F1 teams, particularly those with a rich history like Ferrari, need a strong, consistent leadership vision. Vasseur’s ability to foster a sense of unity and purpose within the team has been essential for Ferrari as it continues to strive for success. With the 2026 regulations overhaul on the horizon, Vasseur’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that Ferrari is in the best possible position to take advantage of the new era in F1.

Leclerc and Hamilton’s Support

Both Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, have expressed strong support for Vasseur. Leclerc, in particular, was vocal about his belief in Vasseur’s leadership, even amidst rumors about the team principal’s future. Leclerc emphasized the importance of stability and long-term planning, and he made it clear that Vasseur’s calm and collected approach was crucial during difficult moments. His loyalty to Vasseur has likely played a role in the team’s decision to offer the Frenchman a new contract.

Hamilton, too, has shown unwavering support for Vasseur. Both drivers recognize the importance of stability at Ferrari, especially as Leclerc enters his peak years in F1. With Leclerc’s future at Ferrari tied to the team’s ability to provide him with the car and opportunities he needs, Vasseur’s leadership could be a key factor in retaining the Monegasque driver and maintaining harmony within the team.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The announcement of Vasseur’s new contract comes just as Ferrari is preparing for a significant shift in F1. The 2026 regulations will bring a new set of challenges and opportunities, and Vasseur’s leadership will be crucial in guiding Ferrari through this transition. While the 2025 season has been a setback, Ferrari’s focus remains on the long term. If the team can avoid further missteps and ensure that its 2026 car is competitive, Vasseur’s tenure could mark the beginning of a new era of success for Ferrari.

In conclusion, Fred Vasseur’s new contract with Ferrari is a reflection of the team’s belief in his ability to lead the Scuderia into a brighter future. While the current season has not lived up to expectations, Ferrari’s commitment to Vasseur signals that they are looking beyond short-term results. With the support of key drivers like Leclerc and Hamilton, and the major overhaul of the F1 regulations in 2026, Vasseur’s leadership will be put to the test, but Ferrari’s decision to back him suggests they believe he is the right man for the job.

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