Fred Vasseur addresses Christian Horner links in private Ferrari meeting ahead of United States GP
Fred Vasseur is set to oversee Ferrari at the United States Grand Prix, but before traveling to Circuit of the Americas, he met with the Scuderia’s top management to discuss circulating reports linking Christian Horner to the team.
The Formula 1 circus arrives in Austin, Texas, this weekend for round 19 of the 2025 season. While the drivers’ championship battle between Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen will dominate headlines, Fred Vasseur has found himself at the center of another storm off-track.
Since the Singapore Grand Prix, speculation has surged claiming Ferrari are considering Horner for a leadership role after his departure from Red Bull. Horner will be eligible to take charge of a rival team in early 2026, and Ferrari’s disappointing 2025 campaign has fueled these rumors.
Ferrari remain the only team among F1’s top four without a Grand Prix victory in 2025. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has yet to secure a podium since joining Ferrari, who currently sit third in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing McLaren by 352 points and Mercedes by 27.
Vasseur expresses frustration over Christian Horner speculation
Despite signing a contract extension through 2027 this July, Fred Vasseur has been under intense scrutiny. Reports suggested that Ferrari chairman John Elkann might favor Horner as a replacement, putting pressure on the Frenchman who has led Ferrari since December 2022. However, these claims were quickly dismissed. It is now confirmed that Vasseur has John Elkann’s full backing and that Ferrari have no active plans to appoint Horner.
An ‘informal’ meeting in Maranello reportedly helped clarify the situation. According to the Italian media, Fred Vasseur met with a key Ferrari manager working closely with CEO Benedetto Vigna on Wednesday to discuss the Horner rumors before flying to Austin. During the meeting, he made his irritation and discomfort regarding the speculation clear, emphasizing that his frustration stemmed from the claims surrounding the team, not just himself.
Ferrari have assured Fred Vasseur that he will receive stronger media support, but the team is not expected to issue any official statements concerning his future. The consensus remains that Vasseur will continue leading Ferrari into at least the 2026 season.
Securing Vasseur’s long-term future depends on improving Ferrari’s form
It remains uncertain how much support Fred Vasseur will receive from the Italian press, which has targeted him by linking Horner to Ferrari. Veteran journalists reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Fred Vasseur’s refusal to provide them with additional information.
Firing Fred Vasseur to appoint Christian Horner, either as team principal or in a CEO-style role similar to Red Bull, would carry significant risk for Elkann. Horner would not be able to exercise influence until his gardening leave from Red Bull concludes in early 2026.
Nevertheless, it now appears likely that Fred Vasseur will guide Ferrari into the 2026 regulation changes, having spent the last few years preparing plans for the new era. The upcoming Ferrari car will be the first to be significantly influenced by technical director Loic Serra.
Fred Vasseur is well aware that improving Ferrari’s results is critical for securing his long-term position. With Red Bull relying heavily on Max Verstappen—who has scored 273 of the team’s 290 points—Ferrari would likely sit fourth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship without stronger performances from their own drivers.
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