Fred Vasseur speaks out against ‘baseless’ Ferrari media rumours
Ferrari currently sits second in the 2025 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, yet the season has been challenging for the Scuderia. Despite the car showing strong pace, setbacks have repeatedly hampered their championship campaign.
Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton suffered retirements at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, while Charles Leclerc had to surrender a potential victory in Hungary due to concerns over excessive plank wear, despite starting from pole. The team has faced persistent setup difficulties and race-day issues, leaving them without a win in 2025 and only five podiums, all achieved by Leclerc.
These struggles sparked rumours about Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, potentially losing his position. However, speculation was quickly dismissed after Ferrari confirmed a multi-year contract extension for Frederic Vasseur in late July, signalling their trust in his leadership.
Fred Vasseur reacts to Ferrari media rumours and gossip
Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, the Frenchman addressed his frustration with press reports and widespread speculation about Ferrari’s internal operations. He expressed particular annoyance at articles questioning Loic Serra’s role at the team and suggesting that Charles Leclerc might leave for Mercedes.
Frederic Vasseur explained that when he joined Ferrari, he understood that exposure to gossip and rumours was inevitable. Nevertheless, he was frustrated that some publications chose to target Serra, who was a key hire alongside Jerome D’Ambrosio from Mercedes. According to the French manager, throwing Loic Serra’s name “under the bus” in media articles was entirely unwarranted and created unnecessary tension within the team.
Regarding Leclerc, Vasseur highlighted that the speculation about his potential departure to Mercedes was completely unfounded. He stated that Charles Leclerc consistently affirmed his commitment to Ferrari, and that the media coverage was more about stirring controversy than reflecting reality. Frederic Vasseur added that while critical analysis is understandable when performance is lacking, spreading false rumours week after week was unhelpful and detrimental to team morale.
Ferrari’s hopes for Monza and the 2025 Italian GP
Looking ahead, Ferrari approaches their home race at Monza aiming to defend Leclerc’s 2024 victory, which was secured after significant car upgrades elevated their competitiveness in the second half of the previous season. While a major upgrade is unlikely as the team focuses on preparations for the 2026 regulations, Ferrari remains optimistic about their chances for a strong weekend.
Lewis Hamilton faces a five-place grid penalty at Monza following a yellow flag infringement, which complicates Ferrari’s strategy. Nevertheless, the team can take some positives from the Dutch Grand Prix, particularly in managing plank wear issues. The unique combination of Monza’s flat straights and slower corners could play to Ferrari’s strengths, and the Scuderia will be aiming for a record 21st Italian Grand Prix victory.
As Ferrari continues to balance internal pressures, media scrutiny, and the performance demands of the season, Frederic Vasseur’s leadership will be crucial in navigating both the team’s present challenges and their preparation for 2026’s technical overhaul.
Leave a Reply