Fred Vasseur: “I struggle with Italian, but the translation time helps me manage my emotions”. Fred Vasseur analyzed the pros and cons of leading Ferrari despite not being Italian.

17 months of Fred Vasseur
For a year and a half – since January 9, 2023 – Frederic Vasseur has taken the reins of Scuderia Ferrari, serving as both team principal and general manager of the team. Ferrari fans have come to know the Frenchman, always very balanced in front of the cameras, but very playful and celebratory when it’s time to celebrate a Ferrari success.

Fred Vasseur and Italian
After Peter Schetty (1971-1972) and Jean Todt (1993-2007), Fred Vasseur is the third non-Italian team principal to lead Ferrari. The French manager has not hidden the fact that he is not yet very familiar with the Italian language: “Not being Italian has its pros and cons, as in any situation. I struggle with my Italian, and this is not ideal for building relationships with the mechanics on the track.

But on the other hand, it’s also positive to have a kind of distance and time to react, to control emotions. I think it can be a good way to manage situations. This allows me to be a bit distant, and the translation moment gives me additional time to reflect, and I see it in a positive light,” Frederic Vasseur concluded in an interview with James Allen on the Autosport YouTube channel.