Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has faced intense scrutiny as the most pressured figure at Maranello, but recent developments at Red Bull have shifted the spotlight away from the Scuderia following the dismissal of Christian Horner.
Speculation about Fred Vasseur’s future at Ferrari has escalated over the past months amid a disappointing 2025 season. Ferrari began the year confident they would contend strongly for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, but those hopes now appear postponed until at least the 2026 campaign.
Currently, Ferrari sits second in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship, trailing McLaren by a significant margin of 238 points before round 13 at the Belgian Grand Prix. This gap is striking considering Ferrari lost the 2024 title to McLaren by just 14 points and continues to seek its first drivers’ or constructors’ crown since 2008.
In June, reports surfaced suggesting Fred Vasseur had only three races left to prove his worth and secure his position, as his contract expires at the end of this season. While the 57-year-old Frenchman has thus far retained his role, Christian Horner’s fate at Red Bull was less fortunate, with the 51-year-old Briton being abruptly sacked earlier this month.
Ralf Schumacher has recently shared that he is “hearing” Ferrari and Fred Vasseur are in renewed contract discussions. After Horner’s unexpected dismissal— reportedly without explanation—many had speculated that Horner might replace Vasseur at Ferrari. However, such a move now seems unlikely.
Instead, Fred Vasseur appears poised to remain in charge at Maranello, leading Ferrari into the pivotal 2026 era shaped by new F1 technical regulations. According to former Toyota driver Ralf Schumacher, Ferrari has begun to reestablish closer ties with Fred Vasseur, entering serious negotiations over a new deal.
This contract optimism is further bolstered by the support of Ferrari’s two lead drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who are currently fifth and sixth in the drivers’ championship, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by 115 and 131 points respectively. Both drivers reportedly back Fred Vasseur’s continued leadership.
Speaking on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse, Ralf Schumacher remarked, “Thankfully, we’re hearing that Ferrari and Fred Vasseur are moving closer to an agreement and are now in contract talks. Securing an extension would be crucial for maintaining stability within the team, especially as the drivers stand firmly behind him. That’s very encouraging.”
Despite these positive signals, the French manager is reportedly dissatisfied with Ferrari’s initial contract proposal. Sources indicate that the team has offered him a one-year extension for the 2026 season, but Fred Vasseur is seeking a longer-term commitment, hoping for a two-year deal. Such an agreement would provide security and avoid future speculation regarding his position.
Offering Fred Vasseur a contract covering at least the 2026 season would bring valuable continuity for Ferrari during a period of major regulatory change. However, given ongoing uncertainties about Ferrari’s 2026 power unit and overall competitiveness, the Scuderia may be reluctant to commit to a long-term contract just yet.
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