Just a few weeks ago, the future of Frédéric Vasseur as Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari appeared to be under threat following a disappointing run of results that raised questions about the team’s long-term direction.
As the Formula 1 paddock approached the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ferrari remained the only team among the top four in the Constructors’ Championship standings yet to secure a race victory in the 2025 season. Nevertheless, they found themselves holding second place in the standings—an achievement that few would have predicted given their early-season form.
One of the key reasons for this unexpected turnaround has been Charles Leclerc, whose performances have dramatically improved with the introduction of recent aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades to the SF-25. The Monegasque driver has managed to secure four podium finishes in the last six races, becoming the consistent force Ferrari needed during a turbulent period.
At the Belgian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc delivered another standout performance by holding off reigning World Champion Max Verstappen for the entire race distance to claim a well-earned third place. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur was believed to be particularly satisfied with Leclerc’s resilience and racecraft under pressure.
After the race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, Charles Leclerc was reportedly pleased to receive praise from teammate Lewis Hamilton, who publicly acknowledged the crucial role the Monegasque had played in keeping the team competitive in recent rounds.
Despite the visible progress, Leclerc has made it clear that there is still a significant amount of work ahead for Ferrari. He remains cautious and fully aware that the team cannot afford to become complacent at any stage of the championship battle.
Charles Leclerc’s recent performances may have had a direct impact on Ferrari’s evolving stance regarding Frédéric Vasseur’s future. The 27-year-old hinted that the Belgian Grand Prix was a particularly tough challenge, describing the race as “incredibly difficult” under changing weather conditions. Yet the drying track surface seemed to play to the strengths of his SF-25, helping him outperform expectations.
Bringing home another trophy to Maranello has further solidified the argument in favour of retaining Vasseur, whose leadership is now receiving increased internal support following a brief period of intense speculation. After the Canadian Grand Prix, rumours about Vasseur’s possible departure had intensified, but the tide appears to have turned thanks in part to Charles Leclerc’s consistent results.
Motorsport journalist Ralf Bach recently suggested that Ferrari’s senior management had begun to reconsider their earlier stance. According to Bach, the initial success of the upgrade package, combined with improved performance, may have prompted a reassessment of Fred Vasseur’s position. He pointed out that Ferrari’s decision-makers seem to have reversed course and are now more inclined to keep the French manager at the helm.
Bach added that in his view, it would be logical to allow Fred Vasseur more time to build a project from the ground up. He noted that the Frenchman has not yet been given a full cycle to develop a team and car under his own vision, and suggested that removing him now would be premature.
Looking ahead, Bach believes the 2026 Formula 1 season, which will usher in sweeping changes to technical regulations including new power units and car designs, will provide the most appropriate moment to fairly judge Fred Vasseur’s impact. The team principal will finally be working within a ruleset he helped shape from the beginning, making it a true reflection of his management capabilities.
Frédéric Vasseur joined Ferrari in January 2023 and inherited a project that had already been designed and developed without his input. During his first year in charge, Ferrari encountered several challenges and failed to mount a consistent title bid. By 2024, the situation had improved notably, and the team narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ Championship, finishing just 14 points behind a resurgent McLaren outfit.
However, the gamble Ferrari took over the 2024–2025 winter by adopting a more radical concept for the SF-25 has not delivered the desired results. The car has been inconsistent throughout the season, and the team has been left searching for explanations and solutions to unlock its full potential.
Still, it is important to recognise that the Frenchman entered his role midway through a stable regulatory era. Judging his performance fairly requires assessing what he can accomplish when starting from a clean slate—something that 2026 will provide.
If Ferrari fails to deliver a competitive package in 2026, the consequences could be significant. Not only could Lewis Hamilton consider walking away from the project, but both Frédéric Vasseur and Charles Leclerc might also reevaluate their futures with the team. With the stakes rising, the upcoming season may prove decisive for Ferrari’s leadership, its star drivers, and the long-term viability of its pursuit of championship glory.
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