Fred Vasseur’s sarcastic reply highlights Ferrari tension with media: “We put the front wheel on the rear”. Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur clashed with journalists over technical issues.

During Friday’s press conference in Montreal, Fred Vasseur was asked to clarify Ferrari’s performance issues: his response left everyone stunned.

The Canadian Grand Prix Friday was animated not so much on track but in the team principals’ press conference, where Ferrari boss Frédéric Vasseur once again found himself in the spotlight. The French engineer firmly responded to questions about his future and the rumours involving his drivers, but wrapped up with a comment that was as dry as it was significant.

Addressing the situation surrounding Charles Leclerc and the persistent rumours of a future away from Maranello, Fred Vasseur reiterated both the team’s and the driver’s stance: “Charles has a long-term contract with us. In every interview since the beginning of the season he keeps repeating he wants to stay at Ferrari and win with Ferrari. And yet every Monday I read that he’s leaving,” he said, visibly frustrated.

Fred Vasseur full of frustration: the answer that stunned journalists
The Frenchman then highlighted the good internal atmosphere between his drivers: “With Lewis and Charles we have a good relationship. We have a clear goal, we need to work and push. The team atmosphere is very good. And that’s the foundation to rebuild and win.”

But it was his second exchange with journalists that stole the spotlight. After refusing to reveal details about the technical issues both drivers experienced in Barcelona, Fred Vasseur was pressed again on the topic. In a curt tone, he replied: “When I say in a press conference that I don’t want to talk about it, don’t come back ten minutes later trying to get it out of me. I won’t say it. That’s how it is. Period.”

At that point, a journalist insisted, asking at least for a generic explanation to give fans and media. Fred Vasseur, with biting sarcasm, shut down the topic with a line bound to make the rounds in the paddock: “Ah, we put the front wheel on the rear.”

An ironic response that reflects the growing tension between the media and Ferrari’s pit wall, while at the same time making it clear how determined the team is to maintain strict secrecy over technical matters.