The signature is still pending but expected soon, as French team principal Frederic Vasseur is set to remain at the helm of Scuderia Ferrari for the upcoming Formula 1 season. This decision ensures important stability for the team ahead of the new technical era that will begin in 2026.
At the Spa-Francorchamps paddock, the topic was one of the most discussed among insiders and fans alike. Although no official announcements or statements from the directly involved parties have been made yet, all rumors and insider information point clearly in the same direction.
Frederic Vasseur and Ferrari are ready to extend their collaboration, allowing the current team principal to lead the team into his fourth season in charge. A brief comment by Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna at Silverstone (“Fred is our team principal, we are in July and discussions are positive. There is trust and time”) confirmed that negotiations are underway, hinting at a positive outcome.
The only lingering question, which will likely remain uncertain even after the official announcement, concerns the length of the contract. It is now common practice in Formula 1 for teams not to disclose the exact duration of agreements for drivers and top management. Instead, they usually confirm indefinite contracts described as ‘multi-year’.
The most critical test of Frederic Vasseur’s tenure will be in 2026, as the car that will compete in the next season will be the product of the technical staff shaped and chosen under the French manager’s guidance. This will be the first car fully developed under the supervision of Technical Director Loic Serra, who has been working at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters since October 1st of the previous year.
The Project 678—the codename for Ferrari’s next Formula 1 car—is a pivotal milestone aimed at restoring the team’s competitiveness in the fight for world championships. At Maranello, the prevailing view favored avoiding disruption ahead of such a significant transition with the new technical regulations. Confirming Frederic Vasseur means the organizational structure shaped by the team principal can continue its work smoothly, without the threat of internal upheaval.
This news is likely to have been warmly welcomed by Ferrari’s lead drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who have been among Fred Vasseur’s strongest supporters. This was particularly significant when, in June, media speculation raised doubts about whether the renewal was guaranteed.
Those rumors proved accurate: contract negotiations for an extension took place and continued until just before the summer break, indicating some internal reflection at Maranello. Then came the turning point, with the decision to keep the team united and focused on the challenges that await in the 2026 season.
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