The upcoming Austrian Grand Prix at the the 4.318-kilometre Red Bull Ring in Spielberg presents Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, with another critical chance to reverse the team’s disappointing performance after a challenging start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Currently, Ferrari sits third in the constructors’ championship after the first 10 races. However, if Red Bull’s second driver had been scoring points closer to Max Verstappen’s tally, Ferrari would realistically be in fourth place. This gap highlights the team’s struggles despite their traditionally strong presence.
Since departing from Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton’s most notable achievement has been winning the Sprint Race in China, while Charles Leclerc has only managed three podium finishes so far this season. Meanwhile, McLaren has already extended a 191-point lead over Ferrari—a stark contrast to last year’s close finish, where Ferrari trailed McLaren by just 14 points. This growing deficit is understandably a source of concern within the Scuderia.
In response, Ferrari is rushing to implement an update package for the Austrian Grand Prix, yet it remains uncertain whether these changes will alleviate the mounting pressure on team principal Fred Vasseur.
Journalist Leo Turrini has suggested that the identity of a potential successor to the French manager is widely known within F1 circles. He argued that the decision now lies with Ferrari chairman John Elkann, who must choose whether to maintain faith in Fred Vasseur’s leadership or consider a change ahead of next season’s regulatory overhaul.
Leo Turrini, writing for Quotidiano ahead of the Austrian race, offered insight into Ferrari’s current dilemma. He noted that the frustration felt by fans is entirely justified, especially after last winter’s optimism and celebrations. He acknowledged that while Vasseur has limitations, making him the sole scapegoat for Ferrari’s woes is unfair.
Leo Turrini stressed that Ferrari’s results with the SF25 have been indefensible, and an early admission of the team’s difficulties would have been a respectful gesture toward supporters. Ultimately, he emphasized that the responsibility now rests with Ferrari’s owners and CEO Benedetto Vigna.
If the leadership believes in Fred Vasseur’s ability to guide the team through the challenges, renewing his contract promptly would be the logical step. Conversely, if doubts remain about his effectiveness, swift action to replace him may be necessary. According to Turrini, the name of the potential successor, Antonello Coletta, has been circulating widely for months. While Coletta’s career may not match the legendary status of former Ferrari boss Jean Todt, his credentials are nonetheless noteworthy.
Antonello Coletta’s name has emerged as a leading candidate in speculation over Fred Vasseur’s future at Ferrari. Although it is unclear whether any decision will be made during the season or at its conclusion, Coletta’s profile is attracting significant attention.
Antonello Coletta’s career has been rooted in motorsport management. Over 30 years ago, he served as sporting director for Forti Corse before gaining experience with Peugeot and Alfa Romeo. He joined Ferrari in 1997, initially contributing to the Ferrari Challenge program and later ascending to the role of head of sporting activities in 2014.
In recent years, Antonello Coletta has overseen Ferrari’s endurance racing efforts, achieving notable success. The Scuderia has dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans Hypercar category, with Ferrari cars winning the last three editions. Antonello Coletta described the victory by the customer AF Corse team at this year’s race as a “fantastic result” during his official press conference.
While it remains to be seen if Antonello Coletta is prepared to assume the added pressures of leading Ferrari’s Formula 1 team, he is certainly the figure generating the most discussion regarding a possible leadership change should Fred Vasseur depart.
