Ferrari's Vasseur: Chairman's Statement Acknowledges "Third Party" amid Horner F1 Speculation
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has clarified that the recent public declaration of support from chairman John Elkann was primarily directed at external parties, particularly in response to ongoing speculation about former Red Bull boss Christian Horner potentially joining the Italian outfit. This statement from Elkann expressed full confidence in Vasseur's leadership and current efforts, aiming to quell persistent rumors that had been circulating within the F1 community.
The declaration of confidence from Ferrari's top leadership occurred just before the United States Grand Prix, where the team secured third and fourth place finishes. This move was a direct response to a swirl of rumors suggesting that Ferrari was considering Christian Horner as a replacement for Vasseur, despite Vasseur having inked a new contract with the team in July. Horner, who has reportedly been in discussions with various Formula 1 teams about a return to the sport, now appears to have his path to Ferrari effectively blocked by this public reaffirmation of Vasseur's position.
Vasseur himself emphasized the significance of Elkann's statement, indicating that while he and the team were already aware of the chairman's support through regular communication, the public announcement was crucial for addressing external perceptions. He noted that such a clear message helps to put an end to unproductive discussions and allows the team to concentrate on their primary objectives without the distraction of persistent rumors. This focus is particularly vital as Ferrari navigates a challenging season.
The constant scrutiny over Vasseur's role intensified this year, following considerable criticism from the Italian media regarding Ferrari's underwhelming start to the 2025 season. After a strong performance last year that saw them contend with McLaren until the final race, expectations were high for Ferrari to be a front-runner for the championship. However, the team has fallen behind, currently holding third place in the constructors' standings, a significant 344 points adrift of leaders McLaren, and still seeking their first victory of the season with five rounds left. Despite these challenges, both Ferrari drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, have publicly voiced their unwavering support for Vasseur. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this year and has a prior working relationship with Vasseur, highlighted that such external chatter can be a distraction for the team. He stressed the importance of maintaining focus on future developments and building a strong foundation for the upcoming season to improve overall performance and execution. Leclerc echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that constant speculation is an inherent part of being with Ferrari but also expressed his frustration with the spread of unfounded rumors. He reiterated the team's commitment to overcoming their current performance issues and emphasized the need to concentrate on tangible progress rather than external noise, underscoring a long-standing pattern of rumors emerging whenever the team's results fall short of expectations.
In summary, the recent statement from Ferrari's chairman, John Elkann, served as a powerful endorsement of team principal Fred Vasseur, specifically designed to counter external rumors linking Christian Horner to the team. This public display of confidence aims to stabilize the team's focus amid a challenging Formula 1 season, as both Vasseur and his drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, seek to mitigate distractions and concentrate on improving Ferrari's performance and future prospects. The team remains determined to address its current struggles and put an end to the title drought that has persisted since 2008, despite the persistent media speculation that often accompanies periods of underperformance.