Despite recent rumours about his future at Scuderia Ferrari, Frenchman Fred Vasseur has been officially confirmed as head of the Italian team for the next few seasons. With solid experience acquired at Renault and Alfa Romeo F1, Vasseur joined the prestigious Italian team in 2022 succeeding Italian Mattia Binotto. Since joining the team, Vasseur has breathed new life into the Reds, who are looking for renewal before his arrival.
Securing the foundations for 2026
On the eve of the major regulation changes planned for 2026, stability is more than ever a necessity for the Prancing Horse. Where teams like Alpine suffer from chronic instability, the Scuderia will benefit from Vasseur’s consistent leadership.
In addition to the need for stability within Ferrari, the Scuderia’s encouraging results supported the decision to renew Vasseur’s leadership at the helm of the Italian team, according to an official statement from the Maranello Scuderia:
“[…] he has laid a solid foundation with the ambition of returning Ferrari to the top of Formula 1. Renewing Fred’s contract reflects Ferrari’s determination to build on the foundations laid so far.”
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna also praised the confidence he has in the Frenchman’s leadership, insisting on the progress made: “Today we want to recognize what has been built and commit to what still needs to be achieved. It reflects our trust in Fred’s leadership”.
Vasseur’s track record so far
Vasseur’s tenure has yielded six victories for the Scuderia, with the remarkable successes of the 2024 season standing out as a highlight. Under his leadership, the team has won two iconic Grand Prix for the reds in 2024: Monaco and Monza. Carlos Sainz also distinguished himself as the only driver to challenge Red Bull’s dominance in 2023 by winning a Grand Prix.
The team also finished second in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, an encouraging position in the face of fierce competition, just 14 points behind champions McLaren thanks to a late season charge.
The year 2024 also marked a major turning point for F1’s most successful team with the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton heading into 2025. Vasseur’s presence at the Scuderia was also decisive in Hamilton’s decision. The Briton explained that he had “a great relationship with Fred” after having “raced with him in Formula 3 and […] achieved incredible success in Formula 3and also in GP2”.
While the 2025 campaign hasn’t matched the brilliance of its predecessor, it remains a testament to the Frenchman’s qualities: Scuderia Ferrari currently sits second in the constructors’ championship, despite being 248 points behind the 2024 champions, McLaren.
Building trust behind the wheel
Beyond his proven leadership skills, the Scuderia boss has strong ties with his two drivers: Leclerc and Hamilton.
“The seven-time world champion had already worked with Vasseur prior to joining the Reds. Their relationship of trust dates back to 2005–2006, when Hamilton competed in GP2 and Formula 3 with ASM Formula 3 – a team founded and managed by Vasseur at the time.
Charles Leclerc’s time with the Alfa Romeo team from 2018 to 2021 – under Vasseur’s leadership – also laid the foundations for mutual trust with the French team principal. He particularly appreciates Vasseur’s help in dealing with his disappointments and his tendency to self-criticise.
Can Ferrari reclaim the throne?
By renewing Fred Vasseur, Ferrari is therefore choosing to consolidate a positive dynamic and ensure the stability that is essential before the major changes of 2026. His leadership and strong relationships with the drivers could lead to a sustainable return of Scuderia Ferrari to the top of Formula 1.
