We discussed Ferrari and Fred Vasseur yesterday: both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have made it clear that all the chatter in Formula 1 regarding the team principal and supposed negotiations with Christian Horner does not exist. Lewis firmly defended the Frenchman, as did Charles Leclerc, who also touched on other issues, including speculation about his own potential departure. As anticipated by our editorial team, a clear show of media support has arrived for the head of Ferrari’s Sporting Management.
Hamilton and Vasseur dismiss the rumors
The former Alfa Romeo team principal was quite direct in his comments. This follows a meeting held two days ago in Maranello, during which Fred Vasseur was promised greater support across all areas. Fred Vasseur shared his perspective: “I have been in this sport for 30 years and I know perfectly well when I am exposed to criticism, with all the negative attention that would have come my way.” The Draveil-born manager is fully aware of the immense pressure surrounding the Scuderia Ferrari team.
However, he believes that the pressure on track is already so intense that there is no need for additional distractions off track. For this reason, he prefers to maintain focus away from the rumors and concentrate entirely on the work at hand. This sends a clear message to everyone following the situation: Fred remains firmly in command at Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton also spoke, equally direct and focused on the core issue, leaving no room for misunderstandings.
The British driver said he has no idea where the rumors about bringing Christian Horner to Italy originated, emphasizing that the team has already clarified its position on Fred Vasseur. Lewis Hamilton highlighted that such speculation is unhelpful, as it acts as a distraction for the entire team. He also reiterated the importance of the ongoing project connected to the next Formula 1 regulatory cycle.
Hamilton is keeping his full attention on what matters most: the new car. He is pushing hard to ensure that the team delivers work at the highest possible level. Even though he gives everything during race weekends, it is clear that his focus is entirely on 2026, when he intends to start the championship with the Italian team fully prepared and competitive.
Charles Leclerc protects the team and himself
Then there is Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque was walking in the pit lane when interviewed by Mara Sangiorgio, during which he clearly expressed several points. Charles Leclerc spoke about the difficult moment he is experiencing. “There are so many rumors around the team that I don’t understand where they come from.” The Ferrari driver referred both to the Horner topic and to comments regarding his own future, which some believe involves discussions with other teams about leaving Ferrari at the end of 2026.
Charles Leclerc was very clear: “We are talking about baseless gossip. It’s an unpleasant situation.” He hopes the team can quickly move past the matter and focus on putting together a strong weekend with the right concentration. “It’s never pleasant to arrive at the track, without checking social media, only to be asked questions where you don’t understand anything, having no idea where certain conjectures are coming from.”
His position is significant, mirroring that of his teammate. This behavior fully confirms the drivers’ support for the head of Sporting Management. As mentioned, there is no negotiation between Ferrari and the former Red Bull CEO. At least for now, Christian Horner is not a factor, and all trust is placed in the Frenchman’s leadership abilities.
The Maranello team needs a united group heading into the next regulatory cycle. That is the priority, without distractions. Everything else is just barroom chatter, creating unnecessary and harmful controversy for the Scuderia. The question remains whether the situation will remain stable in the 2026 championship if the new car does not meet expectations.
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