Fred Vasseur’s future as Ferrari team principal is attracting renewed scrutiny, with reports about his recent behaviour inside the organisation adding to mounting speculation that the Scuderia could consider a leadership change at the end of the season.
The uncertainty has intensified following Christian Horner’s public expression of interest in Ferrari during an interview published over the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. With Ferrari’s already slim championship ambitions having weakened around the summer break, the former Red Bull team principal’s comments have ensured questions over Vasseur’s position are likely to remain prominent.
Fred Vasseur reportedly showing signs of strain at Ferrari
Fred Vasseur remains under contract for at least another season, meaning a departure would not necessarily require Ferrari to dismiss him. One possibility being discussed is that the Frenchman could decide himself to leave at the end of the current campaign.
People close to Vasseur have reportedly told Corriere della Sera that the 58-year-old appears increasingly tired and worn down by the situation. Questions over his position are not entirely new, having already surfaced last season before Ferrari eventually extended his agreement, and the continued external pressure is believed to be adding to that fatigue.
Another indication has emerged from a report by Planet F1 concerning a recent senior governance meeting at Ferrari. Vasseur, normally regarded as a positive and cheerful presence, was reportedly unusually brief in his contributions during that discussion. The change in demeanour has consequently been interpreted as a possible sign that his enthusiasm for the situation has diminished.
The pressure comes at a difficult point in Ferrari’s season. The Scuderia’s championship aspirations have continued to recede, with attention increasingly shifting towards Ferrari’s longer-term prospects and the importance of 2027.
Ferrari change reportedly discussed in the paddock
The Race has also reported hearing paddock suggestions that Ferrari may already be preparing for a change at the end of the season. Vasseur has led the Formula 1 operation since the beginning of 2023, when he succeeded Mattia Binotto.
No change has been officially confirmed, however, and several possible names remain surrounded by different levels of uncertainty.
Ferrari endurance racing chief Antonello Coletta has been identified as a leading candidate to replace Vasseur. Coletta has enjoyed considerable success with Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship programme, but he is reportedly reluctant to accept responsibility for the Formula 1 team.
Christian Horner has meanwhile made his interest in Ferrari clear, although it remains uncertain whether the Maranello leadership regards Christian Horner as a serious candidate. Vasseur’s deputy, Jérôme D’Ambrosio, could theoretically provide another option if Ferrari decided that an internal promotion represented the preferable route.
Fred Vasseur remains under contract despite growing speculation
For now, the most important point is that Vasseur has not left Ferrari and remains contractually tied to the team. Without a public intervention from senior Ferrari management, however, the growing number of reports about his future is likely to ensure the subject continues to feature prominently in upcoming Formula 1 weekends.
At 58, Vasseur is also among the older figures currently occupying senior Formula 1 team leadership roles. The comparison cited includes Racing Bulls’ Alan Permane, Aston Martin’s Adrian Newey and Flavio Briatore, although Newey does not attend every Grand Prix.
Vasseur’s time in Formula 1 itself has been considerably shorter than those ages might suggest. His career in the championship began with Renault before he moved to Sauber, later operating as Alfa Romeo, where he spent five seasons before Ferrari selected him to replace Mattia Binotto.
The immediate question is therefore not simply who Ferrari might choose as an alternative, but whether the French manager still intends to continue leading the Scuderia through the remainder of his contract. Until Ferrari or Vasseur provides greater clarity, the reports surrounding his demeanour, the possible interest in Antonello Coletta and the emergence of Christian Horner as an interested figure will keep the team principal situation firmly in focus.
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