In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, few positions are more scrutinized than that of a team principal. So, when news broke ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix that Fred Vasseur would be staying on as Ferrari’s F1 team principal with a new multi-year contract, it raised eyebrows across the paddock. Vasseur, whose initial contract with Ferrari was due to end in 2025, had been under intense scrutiny throughout the year, particularly in light of Ferrari’s underwhelming performances in the 2025 season. Only a month before the announcement, there had been strong suggestions from the Italian media that Ferrari was contemplating a change at the helm. So, what led to this unexpected renewal, and why has Ferrari placed its faith in Vasseur at this pivotal moment?

The Storm Before the Calm: Vasseur’s Challenges

Fred Vasseur took charge of Ferrari at the start of 2023, becoming the first non-Italian team principal in nearly two decades. With such a monumental change in leadership, the pressure was immense. Ferrari is one of the most prestigious teams in the history of F1, and the expectations that come with it are overwhelming. Vasseur, with a background at Renault and Alfa Romeo, had a track record of success, but Ferrari’s legacy and the passion of its fans made his appointment a high-risk move.

From the beginning, Vasseur faced skepticism from those loyal to the previous regime under Mattia Binotto, and some critics wondered if an outsider could truly bring the change Ferrari needed. The media attention was unrelenting, and with every small misstep or failure on track, Vasseur’s position seemed increasingly precarious. His critics were vocal, and in June 2025, just ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, major Italian newspapers ran stories suggesting that Ferrari was seriously considering a change of leadership. The pressure on Vasseur seemed to be building, and it appeared that his tenure at Ferrari might be short-lived.

However, in a rare moment of transparency, Ferrari’s upper management took a bold step by offering Vasseur a new multi-year deal, quashing any rumors of his imminent departure. The announcement came just before F1’s summer break, catching many by surprise. While the media had speculated on his future, Ferrari’s decision to back Vasseur was a statement of confidence in his ability to lead the team through a challenging period.

A Vote of Confidence Behind Closed Doors

Despite the public pressure and media attacks, it appears that Vasseur’s position within Ferrari had never truly been in jeopardy. As Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna stated in the announcement of Vasseur’s new deal, the word “trust” was central to their decision. This was a clear indication that Vasseur had the full backing of Ferrari’s leadership. In Formula 1, team principals are often replaced swiftly when their leadership is questioned. However, Ferrari’s management chose a different path, offering Vasseur not only continued employment but a longer-term commitment to his vision for the team.

In many ways, Vasseur’s new contract is a testament to the faith that Ferrari’s top brass has in him. While votes of confidence from the media or team bosses can often feel hollow, this deal represents a true endorsement of Vasseur’s leadership abilities. It’s clear that Ferrari’s management believes he is the right person to guide the team through its current struggles and into the future.

Ferrari’s Steady Progress Under Vasseur

One of the most important aspects of Vasseur’s time at Ferrari has been his ability to bring stability to the team. While the 2025 season has been challenging for Ferrari, with no wins and expectations not met, the foundations laid under Vasseur’s leadership have been significant. Even though Ferrari has yet to claim a victory in 2025, the team has shown considerable improvement in areas like strategy, car development, and trackside execution.

In 2024, Ferrari came incredibly close to securing its first Constructors’ Championship since 2008, finishing only 14 points behind McLaren. While this year has not delivered the results Ferrari hoped for, the gains made in previous seasons cannot be overlooked. The current struggles may simply be a bump in the road, and Vasseur’s calm, methodical approach could help the team navigate through these challenges. As Charles Leclerc noted at the launch of Ferrari’s 2025 car, one of Vasseur’s greatest strengths is his ability to keep the team calm, whether in moments of success or failure.

The Ferrari of today is a more coherent and structured team compared to the chaotic environment that plagued the squad in the past. Gone are the days of strategic blunders and miscommunications, which often led to memes and mockery online. While Ferrari’s current form may still be a work in progress, the improvements made under Vasseur’s leadership are clear, and many within the team believe that he is the right man to take them through this tough period.

Building Foundations for the Future

F1 teams, like oil tankers, don’t change direction quickly. Rebuilding a team’s culture, organization, and performance is a long-term project, and Vasseur knew from the start that transforming Ferrari would not be an overnight task. One of the first steps Vasseur took was revamping the team’s technical organization, which included bringing in key figures like Loic Serra from Mercedes. Serra’s appointment in 2023 was a significant move for the team, but due to the structure of F1 contracts, it wasn’t until 2024 that Serra officially joined Ferrari. This delayed arrival meant that Serra’s influence could not be felt in the development of Ferrari’s 2025 car, but his impact on future car development could be crucial.

Vasseur’s ability to lay down these important foundations behind the scenes will only become more apparent in the coming years. While the immediate results may not be groundbreaking, the long-term potential of the team is promising. Like any major F1 organization, Ferrari’s growth will be gradual, and it will take time for the true effects of Vasseur’s vision to manifest on the track.

A Team Principal Who Understands the Long Game

In recent weeks, much has been made of the idea that F1 team principals are becoming as expendable as football managers. However, this view overlooks the complexity of the job and the long-term responsibility that team bosses carry. They are not just managers of a racing team—they are leaders who must establish the culture, ensure harmony within the team, and oversee the development of every element of the car and team performance.

Ferrari has had its fair share of team principal changes over the years, but the frequent turnover has hindered the team’s progress. From Jean Todt to Stefano Domenicali to Mattia Binotto, Ferrari has cycled through several team principals since 2000, with varying degrees of success. In comparison, Red Bull has had Christian Horner at the helm for over 20 years, leading the team to 14 titles and over 120 race wins. Ferrari’s inconsistency in leadership has been a significant factor in their failure to secure more titles, with only three championships in the past two decades.

By committing to Vasseur, Ferrari is signaling its intent to break this cycle. The team is backing a steady and methodical approach, one that requires patience but could ultimately lead to long-term success. As Vasseur himself has pointed out, F1 is a continuous journey, and he’s committed to delivering progress, even if it takes time.

The Support of Ferrari’s Star Drivers

Both of Ferrari’s star drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, have publicly backed Vasseur’s continued leadership. Leclerc, who has faced his own struggles in 2025, emphasized the importance of stability and the need for time to build something great. He described Vasseur as having “cold blood” in tough moments, a quality that has helped the team stay focused through difficult times.

Leclerc’s faith in Vasseur is crucial, as the driver is entering the peak of his career and needs the right environment to succeed. With Vasseur at the helm, Leclerc believes that Ferrari can still deliver the car and opportunities he needs to fight for championships. As for Hamilton, his backing of Vasseur further demonstrates that the team principal is respected not only within Ferrari but across the entire paddock.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The major regulations overhaul in 2026 will be a critical moment for Ferrari and for Vasseur’s leadership. The 2026 season will mark the first true “Vasseur era” at Ferrari, and the team’s performance in that year will be a defining moment in his tenure. Vasseur’s long-term vision for Ferrari is built around the 2026 rule changes, and his team is working hard to lay the groundwork for that new era. While 2025 may not be the year Ferrari hoped for, the team’s focus on 2026 is clear. The changes made today are designed to prepare Ferrari for a strong comeback when the new regulations are introduced.

If Ferrari performs well in 2026, it could vindicate Vasseur’s strategy and prove that his approach was the right one. However, if Ferrari’s performance falters, it’s likely that Vasseur will face even more scrutiny, particularly from the Italian press that has questioned his leadership in the past.

Conclusion

Ferrari’s decision to renew Fred Vasseur’s contract reflects the team’s commitment to long-term success. While the 2025 season may not have lived up to expectations, the foundations being laid under Vasseur’s leadership are crucial for the team’s future. Ferrari is in the midst of a slow but steady transformation, and Vasseur is the right leader to guide them through it. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if Vasseur’s vision can turn the team into a true championship contender once again.