Fred Vasseur hits back at critics: “At Ferrari, everything has changed — except one thing”. Frédéric Vasseur hits back at Italian media and denies rumours of a Ferrari exit.

Fred Vasseur responds to rumours about a possible departure from Ferrari and lashes out at the Italian media: “Those who write certain things only want to cause trouble”

In a particularly heated moment for the Ferrari team, Frédéric Vasseur wanted to respond firmly to the rumours circulating in Italy, suggesting he is on shaky ground and could leave the Maranello team at the end of the season. Speaking to Canal+ on the sidelines of the Canadian Grand Prix, the French team principal pointed the finger at a certain brand of sensationalist journalism.

“When names like these are thrown out there, or when hirings that never happened are made up, or when it’s said that Charles will go to Mercedes next year, I think the only reason is that journalists hope to get clicks and attention from it. Or they do it to disrupt the team, or both,” said Fred Vasseur, clearly annoyed by some of the headlines published in recent days.

Fred Vasseur’s jab at the Italian media
There was a double reference: on one hand, to those suggesting an imminent break between Charles Leclerc and Ferrari despite the contract extension signed at the beginning of the season; on the other, to the rumours about Fred Vasseur’s own future, with speculation about him being on the verge of dismissal or replacement.

“But in any case, if they want to support us or be close to the team, they’ve failed, because I think the right questions need to be asked,” he continued. Then came the jab: “If Ferrari hasn’t won for several years, we’ve changed the team principal, we’ve changed the drivers, we’ve changed almost everything except one thing,” implicitly referring to the Italian media system which, in his view, fuels instability.

Fred Vasseur also acknowledged the fragility of his position, fully aware of the risks that come with the role: “My position is fragile by definition. It’s like a football coach. We know that when you do this job at Ferrari or elsewhere, you’re exposed. I think there are three team principals who change every season.” – the French manager pointed out.

Finally, he clarified his personal commitment: “I didn’t come here thinking I’d stay for life. I’m just trying to develop the team, to make progress, to build something.”