Jerome d’Ambrosio remains among the names being considered as a possible future Ferrari team principal, but his close association with Fred Vasseur could ultimately work against him if the Scuderia decides to change leadership at the end of 2026.
Ferrari have publicly reinforced their confidence in Vasseur despite another wave of speculation surrounding his position. The Frenchman has led the Formula 1 operation since December 2022, when he arrived in Maranello after chairman John Elkann had previously been unable to persuade Christian Horner to leave Red Bull.
Four years later, Ferrari are still chasing their first Formula 1 title since 2007. The team’s difficult 2026 campaign, combined with incidents involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, has contributed to renewed scrutiny of Vasseur even though he remains contracted for 2027.
Ferrari publicly backs Fred Vasseur despite replacement reports
Speculation increased after Christian Horner indicated that he would be prepared to join Ferrari without demanding an equity stake. The former Red Bull chief has been linked with numerous Formula 1 teams since leaving Red Bull, but his comments have once again placed Ferrari at the centre of discussion about his future.
Reports subsequently suggested that Ferrari could replace Vasseur after the 2026 season and that Horner was among the candidates under consideration. However, chief communications officer Maria Conti publicly stated on Tuesday that Ferrari’s position had not changed and that the team officially retained confidence in its current team principal.
That backing has not completely ended the speculation. ScuderiaFans can confirm that Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship team boss Antonello Coletta and deputy Formula 1 team principal Jerome d’Ambrosio are also among the alternative names being considered alongside Horner.
Why Fred Vasseur’s connection to Jerome d’Ambrosio could matter
D’Ambrosio would offer Ferrari the possibility of continuity if the team eventually decided to replace Vasseur. He already operates within the Formula 1 management structure and has experience stepping into greater responsibility when required.
Yet the very connection that makes such a transition straightforward may also count against him. Vasseur personally brought d’Ambrosio into his senior management group, and there is a view that their close professional relationship could reduce the Belgian’s appeal if John Elkann wants a clearer break from the current leadership structure.
D’Ambrosio joined Ferrari as Vasseur’s right-hand man in May 2024 after spending a year as an adviser to Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff. BBC Sport reported at the time that Wolff had been preparing the former Lotus Formula 1 driver for a future senior position at Mercedes by giving him exposure to different areas of the organisation.
Ferrari have since trusted d’Ambrosio with significant responsibilities. He took charge at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix when Vasseur had to leave the Red Bull Ring early for personal reasons, and again at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix when the Frenchman stepped away because of medical reasons.
Experience could also influence Ferrari’s decision
D’Ambrosio’s relative lack of experience in a top-level executive position is also thought to count against him. Although the 40-year-old has built experience inside both Mercedes and Ferrari, appointing him as team principal would represent a considerable step up in responsibility.
His history with Vasseur also extends well beyond their current Ferrari roles. Their relationship dates back to the early 2000s, when d’Ambrosio drove for one of Vasseur’s junior teams. Vasseur later brought him into his inner circle at Maranello, strengthening the perception that the Belgian is closely associated with the current regime.
The uncertainty comes at a time when Ferrari’s championship ambitions have again come under pressure. Lewis Hamilton has already acknowledged how Ferrari’s 2026 title prospects have faded, while questions over what the team continues to lack in its pursuit of Formula 1 success have become increasingly prominent.
For now, Ferrari’s official position remains support for Vasseur. But if the Scuderia eventually chooses a different direction, the decision may come down to more than simply identifying a capable replacement. D’Ambrosio offers familiarity and continuity, Coletta provides another established internal option, and Horner brings extensive Formula 1 leadership experience. For d’Ambrosio in particular, however, his close links to Vasseur may prove to be both an advantage and an obstacle.
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