The 2025 Formula 1 season is already marked by spectacular twists and turns, but Ferrari’s last announcement caused a shock wave in the paddock.

In a movement as daring as it is outstanding, the Scuderia decided to extend the contract of its team director, Frédéric Vasseur, until 2030, while entrusting him with an extended role within the stable.

This decision, described as “crazy” by observers, redefines Ferrari’s ambitions and arouses passionate debates among fans and analysts.

Since his arrival in Maranello in 2023, Vasseur has transformed Ferrari, breathing new dynamics into a team in search of glory since his last title of manufacturers in 2008. Under his direction, Ferrari found impressive competitiveness, ranking second in the manufacturers’ championship in 2024 and continuing on this momentum in 2025.

However, recent setbacks, including tensions with Lewis Hamilton and SF-25, put Vasseur under pressure. This contract extension, accompanied by an extended role, is perceived as a vote of resounding confidence on the part of the management of Ferrari.

The new role of Vasseur is at the heart of the discussions. According to internal sources, he will now supervise not only the Formula 1 team, but also the development of future Ferrari automobile projects, including hypercars and endurance initiatives. This decision, announced at a press conference in Maranello, took the observers, who expected a more modest restructuring after a half-tone 2025 season. John Elkann, president of Ferrari, said: “Frédéric embodies the future of Ferrari. His vision and leadership are essential to bring the Scuderia back to the top. »»

This announcement comes in a tense context. Sf-25 sawtooth performance, marked by a recurring technical problem, costing one tenth per turn, have aroused harsh criticism in Italy. The Gazzetta dello Sport described the season as “technical nightmare”, while Corriere Della will have pointed out the strategic choices of Vasseur, in particular the abandonment of the development of the SF-25 to focus on the 2026 car, Project 678. This risky bet, influenced by Hamilton, divided the tifosi, some seeing a visionary strategy, failure for the current year.

However, Vasseur was able to get out of the game by skillfully managing relationships between his pilots. The rivalry between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, exacerbated by regular Monegasque podiums, could have destabilized the team. But Vasseur maintained remarkable cohesion, as evidenced by the incident of the China Grand Prix, where he clarified that the exchange of positions between the two pilots was a Hamilton initiative, and not a team order. This transparency has strengthened its credibility, even in the face of media criticism.

However, the expansion of Vasseur’s responsibilities raises questions. Some analysts, such as those of Motorsport.com, believe that entrusting one person the supervision of Formula 1 and car projects to one person is a risky bet. Ferrari relies on Vasseur’s ability to juggle between these roles, but the calendar in charge of F1, with 24 races in 2025, could complicate the task. In addition, tifosi expectations are immense: a world title, absent since 2007 for pilots and 2008 for manufacturers, is imperative.

This crazy decision could redefine the future of Ferrari. If Vasseur manages to concretize his vision, especially with Project 678, he could enter the legend of Scuderia. But a failure, in an environment as ruthless as formula 1, could weaken its position. The next Grands Prix, starting with that of Japan, will be crucial to demonstrate that Ferrari has made the right choice. One thing is certain: with Vasseur in command until 2030, the Scuderia is not lacking in ambition, and the world of F1 retains its breath in front of this daring bet.