Former Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene appeared to send a thinly veiled dig at Frédéric Vasseur after the Scuderia’s disastrous season. Here is what he said during his latest media appearance.
Maurizio Arrivabene was a guest on the final episode of the season of Race Anatomy, where he addressed several Ferrari-related topics from his years in Maranello. Having served as the team principal of the Scuderia, he discussed the complex responsibilities of that role — and his remarks sounded very much like a quiet but pointed message directed at his successor, Frédéric Vasseur.
Maurizio Arrivabene joined Ferrari in 2015 and remained in charge until 2018 as the General Manager of the Racing Division and Team Principal. Under his leadership, the team enjoyed competitive years, especially in 2017 and 2018. During that two-year period, Maranello produced cars capable of fighting for the World Championship, even if both titles ultimately slipped into the hands of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.
Arrivabene, Vasseur and more…
“A team principal, if he wants to establish his leadership over the team, has to take responsibility. So when the storm arrives, you have to go in front of the cameras and say there was someone to blame — and that someone is me.”
As we know, throughout this season — despite the clear failure of the SF-25 project — the French team principal never stepped in front of the microphones to admit mistakes. Fred Vasseur repeatedly spoke about potential and execution, but he never acknowledged the errors behind a car that was supposed to fight for both World Championships. Not even after the final race of the year did he deliver a clear admission. And next season will be absolutely crucial for his future at Ferrari.
Maurizio Arrivabene then commented on what now awaits the French manager as the new campaign approaches. “The car has already taken shape, now everything is about catching up. The car exists. It needs to be assembled and verified step by step. Sometimes there is the fear that certain parts won’t arrive in time. You live this period with enormous stress, and I believe it is the most important moment for a team principal — to stay close to the team. Not only those who go to the races, but also those working in Maranello. It is the most important moment to make your presence felt.”
Journalist Umberto Zapelloni then followed up Maurizio Arrivabene’s point with an additional remark aimed directly at Fred Vasseur: “We have a history of team principals who spent twenty hours a day in Maranello. Jean Todt, Maurizio Arrivabene. Mattia Binotto as well. Now rumours say that’s no longer the case.” – the Italian concluded.
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