Frédéric Vasseur has explained why Ferrari are refusing to become consumed by the 2026 Formula 1 championship standings, revealing that he does not even know the exact gap to Mercedes ahead or McLaren behind. Instead, the Ferrari team principal wants the Maranello team to concentrate on each Grand Prix and continue developing its car without creating unnecessary pressure.
That approach is particularly significant at Ferrari, where the long wait for another Formula 1 title continues to influence expectations around the team. The Scuderia have not won the Drivers’ Championship since 2007, while their most recent Constructors’ Championship success came in 2008. Understandably, returning to the top remains the priority for millions of Ferrari supporters following Ferrari’s 2026 title challenge.
Ferrari are taking the 2026 F1 championship race by race
Frédéric Vasseur has frequently described part of his role at Ferrari as that of a firefighter. During difficult periods, the French manager encourages the team not to lose confidence. After victories and positive results, he works equally hard to keep everyone’s feet firmly on the ground.
The thought of ending such a long championship drought could otherwise intimidate the team and become an obstacle to its work. Frédéric Vasseur’s philosophy is therefore to approach the season one race at a time, avoiding unnecessary anxiety and expectations while Ferrari continue their race-by-race development programme.
Speaking in an interview with Auto Hebdo, the Ferrari team principal explained: “Is fighting for the titles an objective? I don’t think about the championship when I wake up in the morning. If you ask me what the gap is, I have to ask Rita, the press officer. I don’t know the margin to Mercedes ahead or over McLaren behind.”
“I focus on the races one by one and on development. Two years ago, when we were fighting McLaren for the championship, we were nowhere at mid-season. Therefore, in my opinion, focusing on this is a waste of time and energy.”
The comments underline the pragmatic outlook also reflected in Frédéric Vasseur’s assessment of Ferrari’s 2026 season. Rather than allowing the championship table to dictate the atmosphere inside Maranello, the team principal wants Ferrari’s attention directed towards performance, development and the next opportunity on track.
The emotional pressure surrounding Ferrari
Frédéric Vasseur also addressed the intense passion that surrounds Ferrari and the constant rumours that have traditionally followed the team. Maranello operates in a uniquely emotional environment, where every result, technical decision and personnel change receives enormous attention.
“Every team has its own characteristics,” Frédéric Vasseur said. “We are Italian, and Latin people and the French are undoubtedly more emotional than Germans or British people. There are positive and negative aspects. I knew that when I signed my contract. I never complain.”
That passion can become an important source of energy when Ferrari are performing well, but it can also amplify criticism during difficult periods. For the Ferrari team principal, the problem becomes more serious when speculation is directed towards individual employees rather than the organisation as a whole.
Frédéric Vasseur warns media reports can weaken Ferrari
Frédéric Vasseur expressed particular concern about reports suggesting that senior Ferrari personnel could be replaced. He believes naming individual members of the strategy or aerodynamic departments in such stories can damage confidence and make the entire team more vulnerable.
“But sometimes the press has gone, directly or indirectly, against some of my colleagues,” the French manager continued. “Reading on the front page of a newspaper that Ferrari are going to replace the head of strategy or aerodynamics, while mentioning their name, is something I find a little harsh for my guys.”
“It is not fair, it is not useful and it makes the team more fragile. Imagine that your magazine wanted to recruit somebody else to cover Formula 1. You would be the first person to go to your boss and ask for answers.”
Frédéric Vasseur’s message is clear: Ferrari cannot completely escape the passion, scrutiny and expectations that accompany the most famous team in Formula 1. However, the Scuderia can control how it responds. For the team principal, that means protecting the people working at Maranello, maintaining stability and directing Ferrari’s energy towards the next race rather than becoming distracted by championship calculations or external speculation.
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