Fred Vasseur Under Pressure as Ferrari’s Title Hopes Fade and John Elkann Watches Closely
When Fred Vasseur accepted the role of Ferrari team principal, he likely knew the immense burden of expectation that would follow. Leading the most iconic team in Formula 1, especially under the scrutiny of the Tifosi, comes with intense pressure—especially with Ferrari enduring a title drought that stretches back to Kimi Raikkonen’s drivers’ championship in 2007. The team last secured the constructors’ crown in 2008, and since then, it has been a story of missed chances and frustration.
Big names like Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, and Sebastian Vettel all came close but ultimately failed to bring championship glory back to Maranello. Now, it’s up to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to carry the Scuderia’s hopes—but that mission is already on shaky ground in 2025.
Internally, Ferrari has reportedly stopped targeting either title this season, reflecting a troubling lack of confidence after a difficult start. Charles Leclerc, the highest-placed Ferrari driver in the standings, already trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 85 points. In the constructors’ battle, Ferrari is a daunting 165 points behind McLaren—an ominous sign for a team desperate for a turnaround.
Despite this bleak outlook, Fred Vasseur and his engineering staff are pushing forward, unwilling to abandon 2025 just yet. With sweeping regulation changes on the horizon for 2026, the balance between immediate recovery and long-term strategy is delicate. However, if progress remains elusive, John Elkann—CEO of Exor, which controls Ferrari—may be forced to consider Fred Vasseur’s position more closely.
Imola Weekend Highlights Mounting Pressure on Ferrari’s Leadership
The recent Emilia Romagna Grand Prix highlighted Ferrari’s ongoing struggles and added more fuel to the fire. Speaking on the F1 Nation Podcast, journalist Greg Stuart offered insight into the internal mood of the team. Ferrari endured a dismal qualifying session, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton failing to reach Q3—an unthinkable result for the team on home soil.
Stuart noted that both drivers appeared “super dejected” following Saturday’s setbacks, and while their recovery drives on Sunday were commendable, the weekend still fell short of expectations. He emphasized that while Hamilton seemed energised after moving up the grid, the disappointment of Saturday still loomed large.
The weight of Ferrari’s legacy and the unique pressure of racing for a team seen as a national symbol in Italy were clearly visible, Greg Stuart said. When speaking to Fred Vasseur directly, he described the Frenchman as visibly stressed, with the demands of the job leaving their mark. According to Stuart, Ferrari chairman John Elkann is unlikely to have been pleased with the performance, particularly given the expectations surrounding Hamilton’s debut season with the team.
Ferrari Must Continue to Fight for 2025 Despite Long Odds
While championship hopes may be slipping away, Ferrari is not in a position to give up on the current campaign. The team’s prestige and Hamilton’s short two-year contract leave no room for surrender. Every race is a chance to build momentum and restore faith among the Tifosi.
Ferrari is expected to evaluate its full commitment to the 2025 car after the Belgian Grand Prix, but until then, key updates are still in development. Among them is a revised rear suspension system aimed at addressing the ride height limitations that have plagued the SF-25—an issue exposed most notably during Hamilton’s disqualification in China.
The French manager remains convinced that the SF-25 has untapped potential and believes that with the right upgrades, Ferrari can still challenge McLaren and Red Bull. The critical challenge lies in unlocking that performance quickly enough to change the narrative—and potentially secure Fred Vasseur’s future at the helm of Formula 1’s most storied team.
