Fred Vasseur may be facing intense scrutiny over his Ferrari future, but David Coulthard believes the team’s most important problem is not sitting on the pit wall. The former Formula 1 driver has instead pointed towards the SF-26 single-seater and, more specifically, the power unit as the area where Ferrari still needs to unlock significant potential.
Speculation around the team principal has intensified as Ferrari’s 2026 title prospects have faded. The Maranello team remains second in the Constructors’ Championship and both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have won races this season, but Mercedes has established a substantial advantage while McLaren and Red Bull are also applying increasing pressure. The competitive picture has already raised questions over where the SF-26 currently stands against Ferrari’s leading rivals.
David Coulthard points to Ferrari’s power unit
Much of the recent Italian media criticism has centred on Fred Vasseur, with pressure building around his leadership and reports of strained relationships behind the scenes. Lewis Hamilton has also been highly critical of aspects of the team, while some of his comments have reportedly been kept away from public scrutiny.
David Coulthard, however, believes Ferrari’s greater concern can be found in the car itself. He acknowledged that the Scuderia has made progress through aerodynamic development and improved cornering performance, but sees the power unit as the area still holding back the overall package.
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard suggested that Ferrari is close to releasing more performance and indicated that the untapped potential appears to be located behind the driver, specifically in the power-unit area rather than elsewhere in the car.
He also believes recent internal changes provide evidence that Ferrari is attempting to address that weakness. Although David Coulthard admitted he was not familiar with the names of the senior personnel responsible for the power unit, he understood that restructuring had taken place and interpreted that as a clear indication that the team is trying to unlock more capability from that department.
The assessment places the technical challenge alongside the wider questions surrounding Ferrari’s recent internal and communication problems, rather than treating the team principal situation as the only explanation for the Scuderia’s difficulties.
Christian Horner reports add to Fred Vasseur speculation
David Coulthard also addressed the recent reports connecting Christian Horner with Ferrari. He acknowledged that Christian Horner had been quoted as being willing to consider the role, but Coulthard does not believe such an opportunity is likely to emerge in the short term.
The speculation has nevertheless added another layer to the discussion around Fred Vasseur’s position, with the potential obstacles surrounding a possible Christian Horner move to Ferrari already becoming part of the broader debate over control and leadership at Maranello.
For Coulthard, though, changing personnel at the top does not address the more immediate performance question. His emphasis remains on extracting more from the technical package, particularly the power unit, as Ferrari attempts to close the gap to the teams ahead.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc do not need friendship to succeed
Another issue surrounding Ferrari is the relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Hamilton has expressed frustration over team orders, particularly following the Monza incident in which Charles Leclerc forced him wide and the British driver lost track position.
The relationship between the two team-mates has consequently attracted scrutiny, but David Coulthard does not believe personal friendship is required for them to function successfully together.
Instead, the former Formula 1 driver argued that mutual respect is the essential ingredient. In his view, colleagues do not need to socialise away from work or maintain close personal relationships for a professional partnership to succeed. What matters is whether they respect one another and can operate effectively towards the same objectives.
Coulthard distinguished between a happy team and a successful one. He acknowledged that harmony is naturally preferable, but maintained that success ultimately depends on everyone working together, having the authority to perform their roles and delivering what is required of them.
Ferrari faces technical and organisational pressure
The result is a picture in which Ferrari’s challenges extend across several areas. Fred Vasseur remains under constant pressure to deliver after the team’s long wait for another championship, while questions about management, communication and the relationship between the drivers continue to generate attention.
Ferrari has also been dealing with speculation about potential leadership alternatives, making Fred Vasseur’s future at Maranello another major talking point.
David Coulthard’s assessment, however, shifts the focus back towards performance. Ferrari has found gains aerodynamically and through the corners, but he believes further potential remains locked inside the power-unit department. At the same time, he sees no requirement for Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to become close friends, provided the two drivers maintain enough respect to work together and deliver for the team.
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