Under Ferrari pressure: Fred Vasseur opens up on criticism and the challenge of leading the Scuderia
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has delivered an honest assessment of his time at the helm of Formula 1’s most historic team, reflecting on criticism, technical challenges, and the immense responsibility of restoring the Scuderia to championship-winning form. The Frenchman, who joined Ferrari in 2023, admitted that he was fully aware of the difficulties he would face when taking over the Maranello outfit — a team still enduring one of the longest title droughts in its illustrious history.
After a promising 2024 season in which Ferrari finished ahead of Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship and narrowly missed out on the title to McLaren after the Abu Dhabi finale, expectations were high for 2025. However, this year has turned into one of the most disappointing in recent memory. Neither Charles Leclerc nor new teammate Lewis Hamilton has managed to secure a single Grand Prix victory, leaving the team — and especially its team principal — under growing scrutiny from fans and media alike.
Fred Vasseur’s candid reflections on Ferrari’s struggles
“I’ve been in this business for 30 years. I knew perfectly well that I would be exposed and that criticism would come,” Fred Vasseur told The Athletic when asked about the current situation at Ferrari.
Vasseur did not shy away from acknowledging the team’s technical challenges. The SF-25, designed with high ambitions, has proven unpredictable and difficult to manage across various circuits. “If you have a major problem at the start, you lose a bit of direction,” he explained. “You tend to play it safe, and that means losing some confidence — and everything that comes with it.”
The Ferrari boss emphasized the need to stay resilient and focused on improvement. “We know we have to fight back. We have to deliver results. And we also have to accept the fact that pressure is part of our sport’s DNA. But I think there’s already enough pressure on the track — we don’t need it at home as well.”
Support from Leclerc and Hamilton amid Horner rumours
Despite persistent rumours suggesting that Red Bull’s Christian Horner could replace him, Fred Vasseur has received strong backing from both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, along with an official confirmation from Ferrari leadership regarding his position. Their public support has helped reinforce his authority during a turbulent season.
Fred Vasseur also revealed that he consciously avoids letting external criticism affect him. “I feel pretty good about that,” he said with a smile, referring to the fact that he doesn’t read the press or watch television. Instead, the Frenchman prefers to keep his focus on what truly matters — the team’s progress and long-term goals.
“That’s all in the past now,” Fred Vasseur concluded. “Our focus must be entirely on the future.”
For Fred Vasseur, the mission remains clear: rebuild confidence, strengthen Ferrari’s technical direction, and restore the Scuderia’s reputation as a dominant force in Formula 1 — no matter how heavy the pressure may be.
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