Fred Vasseur appears to have secured his position at Ferrari despite persistent speculation linking Christian Horner to the team principal role at Maranello. However, not all senior staff at the Scuderia are equally safe, with one key figure reportedly facing a precarious future.
Following the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this October, rumors circulated that Ferrari chairman John Elkann was seriously considering Horner, fresh from finalizing his exit from Red Bull, as a potential replacement for Fred Vasseur. The British executive is reportedly free to join another Formula 1 team starting April 2026, and Ferrari’s lack of wins in the 2025 season, coupled with their standings in the Constructors’ Championship—352 points behind McLaren and 27 behind Mercedes with six races remaining—has intensified scrutiny on team management.
Fred Vasseur made his dissatisfaction with Horner-linked speculation clear to Ferrari management midweek, prompting John Elkann to publicly reaffirm his support for the French team principal through the 2026 season. Yet, sources suggest Ferrari may still take action by identifying a “scapegoat” for the team’s disappointing performance so far this year.
Matteo Togninalli could be the sacrificial figure for Ferrari’s 2025 struggles
According to Italian news media outlet FunoAnalisiTecnica, Ferrari’s head of track engineering, Matteo Togninalli, is under the spotlight as a potential scapegoat for the SF-25’s underwhelming results. Reports indicate Togninalli is caught in an internal conflict with Fred Vasseur, who has repeatedly criticized the execution of Ferrari’s strategies during race weekends.
Both Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton have voiced concerns over Ferrari’s strategic missteps, which they believe have hindered the full potential of the SF-25 from being realized on track. As a result, Ferrari is reportedly exploring options for reassigning Togninalli or replacing him entirely ahead of the 2026 season, emphasizing the need to strengthen race execution, data analysis, and operational precision.
Togninalli’s career at Ferrari under scrutiny
Matteo Togninalli has served as Ferrari’s head of track engineering since 2015, and his influence has been pivotal across numerous seasons. Nevertheless, internal sources suggest that his strong personality and occasional clashes with colleagues, including Fred Vasseur, have strained relationships within the team. At 48 years old, and with two decades at Ferrari—including ten years in his current position—Togninalli may now face a career crossroads.
The French manager is understood to be keen on ensuring that Ferrari maximizes the potential of the SF-25 and future machinery under the 2026 regulations. Keeping the Italian engineer in his current role may not be feasible if doubts persist regarding his suitability to lead the track engineering department. Ferrari’s internal evaluation seems to indicate that changes could be imminent, with the Scuderia preparing to make strategic adjustments ahead of the crucial 2026 campaign.
Ferrari’s strategic challenges in 2025
While Vasseur signed a contract extension through 2027 earlier this year, the Scuderia’s continued struggles have shifted attention back to his management team. Ferrari has not achieved a podium finish in any of the five Grands Prix since the contract announcement, highlighting the team’s pressing need to address both operational and technical inefficiencies. Analysts suggest that a reshuffle of key technical roles, including Togninalli’s, could be part of Ferrari’s broader strategy to regain competitiveness and prepare for a more successful 2026 season.
In conclusion, while Fred Vasseur remains in charge at Maranello, Ferrari’s disappointing 2025 season has cast a shadow over the future of Matteo Togninalli. The Scuderia appears ready to take decisive action to strengthen its technical operations, with the 2026 regulations providing a pivotal opportunity for the team to bounce back and challenge its rivals.
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