Bernie Ecclestone backs Fred Vasseur at Ferrari: “He needs at least five years”. Bernie Ecclestone supports Frederic Vasseur’s continued role at Ferrari.

Bernie Ecclestone in Austria
Seven months after his last appearance in a Formula 1 paddock, Bernie Ecclestone showed up on Friday at the Red Bull Ring to witness up close the sport he helped make global.
At 94 and a half years old, the British manager – in great shape – is enjoying a well-earned retirement, having stepped away from all active roles in the sport in 2020, when his three-year term as honorary president and board advisor of F1 expired.

Fred Vasseur’s contract nearing expiry
One of the hot topics in the Austrian paddock is still the future of Frederic Vasseur at Ferrari, with his contract set to expire in December 2025, unless extended.

Speaking to Sport1, Bernie Ecclestone made his position clear, defending Frederic Vasseur: “Ferrari needed five years to win with Michael Schumacher, the same with McLaren and Mika Hakkinen, or Red Bull before Sebastian Vettel took his first world title in 2010. You have to give at least five years to lead a team.”

Ralf Schumacher echoed that sentiment on the same German broadcaster: “Rome wasn’t built in a day. Fred Vasseur is a good man, and even Jean Todt was nearly fired by Ferrari, but then my brother strongly defended him and Montezemolo listened.”