Frédéric Vasseur has spoken about the “constant duality” within Ferrari that forces the team to make certain choices, while also delivering a clear message to the Tifosi.
The team principal of the Scuderia Ferrari shared what his experience in Maranello has been like so far, sending a heartfelt message to the fans. Fred Vasseur also revealed the “constant duality” that makes Ferrari so different from any other team in Formula 1.
The French manager arrived at the helm of the Maranello outfit in January 2023, replacing Mattia Binotto at the very last moment as team principal. Since then, Fred Vasseur has led the team by working to rebuild the internal environment and make it his own. In his second season in charge, Ferrari came close to the Constructors’ title, but 2025 did not turn out to be the year everyone had hoped for. Now, Vasseur looks toward the future with renewed confidence, supported by president John Elkann. Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have shown loyalty to him, and their support was crucial during contract talks. The next regulatory cycle could be Fred Vasseur’s last big opportunity to take Ferrari back to the top. In the meantime, he appeared on Bloomberg’s Power Players podcast, where he discussed several aspects of life inside Ferrari.
Vasseur: “It gives you huge energy but also increases the pressure.”
“At the start of my Formula 1 career, Ferrari was not necessarily my goal. You only truly understand the power of the Prancing Horse when you walk through those gates. Before entering, it’s almost impossible to grasp what Ferrari really represents. Once inside, the energy is overwhelming, in a positive way. When you arrive in Maranello, no matter what time it is, there are always people waiting outside. During the previous ten years I spent in other teams, I had never seen so many fans gathered outside the factory. That first day here surpasses any previous experience.”
The Ferrari brand is famous all over the world, and that naturally comes with enormous expectations. The Tifosi have been waiting nearly two decades for another world championship. Ferrari must always be competitive and fight for the top positions, because it remains the most successful and legendary team in Formula 1 history. There is no other team quite like the Scuderia, but this can also be a disadvantage, as the fans demand immediate results after years of disappointment.
“At every circuit, wherever we race, half the crowd is dressed in red. Last year, winning at Monza triggered a celebration like no other: when the mechanics returned to the factory in the middle of the night, the supporters were still there waiting for them. That’s something that usually happens only in football—almost surreal for Formula 1. This passion gives you incredible motivation, but it also raises the pressure. I try to be the first one to feel the weight of those expectations. In Ferrari, you live in constant duality: you’re proud of a legendary history, yet compelled to look ahead. That’s the magic that makes Ferrari different from every other team.”
Fred Vasseur knows exactly the weight of the role he holds, even though some of his statements during 2025 were seen as questionable. It’s also important to understand that his position has been under scrutiny, with media pressure intensifying the speculation surrounding his future. To win with Ferrari requires something more than just management—it requires vision and determination. The team principal must now lead the squad he has built towards 2026, with a world championship goal that must finally be within reach.
Leave a Reply