Shortly before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ferrari officially confirmed the contract renewal with Frederic Vasseur despite the team’s lack of race wins this season. The announcement ended weeks of speculation and rumors about a possible change in leadership. Instead, Ferrari has chosen to prioritize continuity and stability as they prepare for the 2026 season and beyond.
Frederic Vasseur, the French team principal who took charge of Scuderia Ferrari in 2023, has faced intense media scrutiny in recent weeks precisely because the team delayed announcing his contract extension. Since Vasseur’s arrival in Maranello, the Ferrari team has not yet launched a serious championship challenge for the coveted title that has eluded them for many years.
However, with a multi-year agreement now in place, John Elkann, chairman of Ferrari, explained the strategic reasons behind maintaining confidence in Vasseur despite the absence of race victories so far in the 2025 Formula 1 season. “We have worked very well with Fred, and when the collaboration is positive, it is important to continue along that path,” John Elkann stated.
He added, “The reality is that based on these years, we all want to build more. We understand that in Formula 1, timing is crucial and what you truly need is commitment, trust, and ensuring that time is on your side.”
Elkann further emphasized the natural evolution of the strong relationship with Frederic Vasseur, which is clearly visible within Ferrari. He highlighted the importance of stability and how it can have a significant impact on performance results. “This is exactly what we all want,” he affirmed.
Following the announcement of the renewal, John Elkann attended the Hungarian Grand Prix, an event marked by frustration for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The Italian-American explained why he chose to be present at the race.
“It’s the last race of the first part of the season, so it’s a good moment to be here with the team,” Elkann said. “It is an important occasion to reflect on what has been a difficult start and, more importantly, to lay the right foundations for the second half of the season. We want everyone motivated to take a good break, which is necessary, and then come back very strong in the Netherlands.”
John Elkann spoke candidly about the team’s performance so far this year. Ferrari managed to secure a pole position in Budapest, achieved five podium finishes thanks to Charles Leclerc, and earned a Sprint race victory through Lewis Hamilton. “We have had a difficult season. That’s why it’s really important to finish well and start the second half very strong and full of energy,” he stated.
He concluded with a clear message of ambition: “Ferrari wants to win, it has won before, and it will win again when it manages to bring everyone together. What matters at Ferrari is not the individual but the individuals. When these people work together, they can achieve incredible things. This has been widely demonstrated in Formula 1.”
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