Ferrari have officially ended months of speculation regarding the future of team principal Frédéric Vasseur by confirming a new multi-year contract extension ahead of the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. This announcement reaffirms the Italian outfit’s commitment to continuity at a crucial time in the sport.
The Frenchman had been operating under growing uncertainty at Maranello following an underwhelming start to the 2025 Formula 1 season. Although both Fred Vasseur and Ferrari had high hopes that this campaign could yield a long-awaited championship title, their ambitions have once again been postponed. Despite the optimism that surrounded the team during pre-season preparations, results on track have not met expectations, and their pursuit of silverware continues.
In 2024, Ferrari narrowly missed out on clinching their first constructors’ championship since 2008, falling short by just 14 points in what was Vasseur’s second season at the helm. Since taking over from Mattia Binotto in December 2022, the 57-year-old has brought a much-needed sense of stability and direction to the team, which has not celebrated a drivers’ championship triumph since Kimi Räikkönen’s title in 2007.
Tensions intensified earlier this season when McLaren opened up a staggering 197-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ standings by the Canadian Grand Prix in June. This led to reports that Vasseur was on a three-race deadline to justify his position. With his initial contract set to expire at the end of 2025, uncertainty surrounded his future—until now.
Ferrari have now confirmed that Frédéric Vasseur’s newly signed deal is, in fact, a two-year extension
The Scuderia made the announcement on Thursday, just ahead of round 13 of 24 in the 2025 calendar at the Hungaroring circuit. Ferrari entered the Budapest weekend sitting second in the championship standings, although McLaren had extended their advantage to a commanding 268 points. Nonetheless, the team saw fit to provide clarity and confidence in their leadership structure heading into a vital stage of the season.
Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have expressed strong support for Vasseur’s continued leadership. They are particularly encouraged that the Frenchman will guide the Scuderia through the critical transition to Formula 1’s revised technical regulations in 2026, which will include major changes to both aerodynamics and power unit specifications. According to Bild, Vasseur’s new contract will keep him in charge at Ferrari through at least the conclusion of the 2027 Formula 1 season. However, it remains unknown whether the deal includes any options for further extensions or early termination clauses.
Interestingly, Ferrari had originally planned to reveal Vasseur’s contract renewal later in the season
As reported by the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Scuderia’s top management initially intended to wait until the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September before publicising the new terms. The goal was to use the announcement to create momentum and optimism around the home race, both internally within the team and among the tifosi.
However, Ferrari ultimately decided to move up the timeline and finalised the agreement with Vasseur ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before the summer break. The decision to go public early was seen as a strategic move—a deliberate signal of unity and long-term vision. By confirming Vasseur’s position, Ferrari hoped to eliminate any remaining doubts and demonstrate to both the team and the wider F1 paddock that they are fully committed to his leadership through the next regulatory era.
One of the decisive factors that contributed to the Frenchman’s contract extension was the unwavering backing he received from Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion reportedly maintained his full support for Fred Vasseur even as the team struggled to deliver competitive results in the early months of his debut season in red. Hamilton has made it clear that he values the relationship, as Vasseur played a pivotal role in his move to Ferrari after spending 12 years at Mercedes.
The Briton was quoted as stating—via Motorsport.com—that Fred Vasseur was the person who brought him to Ferrari and that he remained eager to continue working alongside him. The British driver sees the Frenchman as a key element in the team’s future success, especially with the sweeping changes coming in 2026.
Charles Leclerc has also underlined how critical Fred Vasseur is to Ferrari’s ambitions. The Monegasque driver appreciates the French manager’s ability to remain composed and unemotional under pressure, something he believes is vital when leading a team so steeped in history and national pride. Leclerc sees this emotional detachment as a strength, allowing Fred Vasseur to make clear-headed decisions even amid the intense scrutiny that comes with managing Ferrari—a task that has often overwhelmed others in the past.
In the high-pressure world of Formula 1, especially at a team as iconic as Ferrari, leadership stability can often be the deciding factor in long-term success. With Fred Vasseur now officially confirmed as team principal through 2027, Ferrari are placing their trust in his steady hand to steer them into the new era of the sport and break their championship drought.
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