After speculation recently emerged regarding the future of Frédéric Vasseur at Scuderia Ferrari, Toto Wolff has stepped in to publicly defend the Frenchman. The Mercedes Formula 1 Team Principal stated that, in his view, the Italian team “won’t find anyone better” to lead them.
Rumours concerning Frédéric Vasseur’s position at the helm of the Maranello-based outfit began circulating in the build-up to the Canadian Grand Prix in June. Vasseur himself strongly addressed these reports during the Montreal race weekend, describing the speculation as “disrespectful”. However, these rumours intensified again following the dismissal of Christian Horner from his position as Team Principal at Red Bull Racing.
Despite the pressure, Vasseur has also received full backing from within his own team. Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari for the 2025 season, has voiced his confidence in the 57-year-old, calling him “the person who will take us to the top.”
Toto Wolff’s words on Vasseur
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff showed his support for Fred Vasseur, emphasising the need for patience and stability when it comes to leadership roles within Formula 1 teams.
When asked about the importance of long-term continuity at the top of an F1 organisation, the Austrian responded: “It seems that, in general, teams have revolving doors at the leadership level.”
“I believe that in Formula 1, time cannot be bought. You must give team leaders the necessary time to take control and implement their vision,” he continued. “Today we talked about Jean Todt. If I’m not mistaken, Jean joined Ferrari in 1993 and they only won their first championship in 2000. That’s ‘93, ‘94, ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, and finally 2000. That’s eight years. That’s how things work in F1—it all happens in cycles.”
Wolff also reflected on Mercedes’ own struggles: “Look at us. I don’t like that we’re now in our third season without fighting for the championship. That doesn’t mean we’re worthless. We still have some really good weekends. We’re winning races. Sometimes, our performance is respectable.”
“And when things aren’t going well, people start questioning whether the person in charge is doing a good job or not. But you need to give them room to work. Let them do what needs to be done. They simply need to be allowed to carry out their plan.”
Toto Wolff then praised Fred Vasseur’s qualities and strengths, while also acknowledging the immense pressure that comes with being Ferrari’s team boss—particularly due to the scrutiny from fans and the Italian media.
“Fred is one of the best team leaders I’ve ever known,” said Wolff. “If I weren’t in my current position, I would hire Fred. That’s how much I respect him. He has a strong personality. He’s a straight-talker. He doesn’t play political games and he doesn’t lie. He knows what he’s talking about.”
“You simply need to give him the trust and confidence to manage this project. He knows perfectly well that being in charge of Ferrari is like coaching the national football team in Italy. He will be under constant examination by the media.”
Wolff concluded with a characteristically frank assessment: “Maybe it’s something you need to grow a thick skin for. Because in Italy, when you win, you’re Jesus Christ. When you lose, you’re just a loser. That’s Italy. And it’s fantastic.”
“That’s the kind of passion that exists there. You have to accept it. Maybe it’s something he still needs to learn. But apart from that, he deserves the trust needed to lead this team forward. They will not find anyone better,” Toto Wolff concluded.
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