Ferrari have confirmed that Fred Vasseur will remain as Team Principal beyond 2025, with a new multi-year deal agreed as part of the team’s long-term project to return to the top of Formula 1.
Vasseur originally joined in January 2023, taking over from Mattia Binotto following a season that began with front-running pace but quickly collapsed due to reliability issues and inconsistent strategy. Since then, the focus has shifted to internal structure, long-term planning, and cultural reset.
Now, with two and a half seasons under his belt, Ferrari are backing their man to lead the next chapter.
A Foundation in Progress
The early results were mixed. Ferrari struggled at the start of 2023, but momentum picked up as the year unfolded. Carlos Sainz delivered their only win of the season in Singapore, snapping Red Bull’s unbeaten run. The team closed the gap to McLaren and nearly took second in the constructors’ standings. It wasn’t the title they craved, but it showed the rebuild was working.
Behind the scenes, Vasseur was making broader changes. Ferrari became more measured, more consistent, and less reactive. And over the winter of 2023–24, he helped orchestrate one of the biggest driver moves in recent F1 history – securing a deal to bring Lewis Hamilton to Maranello for the 2025 season alongside Charles Leclerc.
That move raised expectations sky-high. But 2025 hasn’t gone to plan.
2025: Tougher Than Expected
The team entered the season aiming for championships. Instead, they’ve spent most of it playing catch-up. Hamilton won the sprint race in China but hasn’t finished on the podium in a grand prix. Leclerc has five podiums to his name, including second in Monaco, but neither driver has consistently challenged for wins.
Heading into the summer break, Ferrari sit second in the constructors’ standings with 248 points. They trail McLaren by 268 and lead Mercedes by just 28. In the drivers’ standings, Leclerc and Hamilton are fifth and sixth respectively, behind Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and George Russell.
It’s not where they wanted to be. But the team is choosing stability over disruption.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said the new deal reflects ongoing belief in Vasseur’s leadership. He highlighted the shared ambition between both parties and the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture, with clear responsibility and commitment at every level of the organisation.
Vasseur described the renewal as a strong sign of trust and a fresh challenge. He pointed to the foundations already in place and made it clear the goal now is to build with greater consistency, stay sharp under pressure, and meet expectations as a team.
Horner Speculation Ends Here
The timing of the announcement wasn’t random. Just a few weeks after Red Bull parted ways with Christian Horner, Ferrari’s decision sends a clear signal. They’re not shopping for alternatives.
For months, speculation had linked Horner to Maranello. The departure of Adrian Newey and growing pressure inside Red Bull had led to rumours about a possible move, especially as Ferrari’s form dipped early in the season. But the team never took the bait.
Horner’s record is well known. He helped turn Red Bull into one of the most dominant teams in modern F1 history. Under his leadership, they became ruthless winners and masters of the political game. His approach was intense, but the results spoke for themselves.
Still, Ferrari never flinched.
By renewing Vasseur now, just as Horner becomes available, they’ve drawn a line under the speculation. This is not a team chasing headlines. It’s a team backing its project. Vasseur has been the architect of Ferrari’s shift in tone and structure. Replacing him now would’ve undermined that progress. Instead, they’ve shown loyalty and direction.
All Eyes on 2026
With major regulation changes coming in 2026, the next phase of Ferrari’s plan is already underway. A new power unit formula, active aero, and a reset in car design will reshape the pecking order. Ferrari want to enter that era with continuity, clarity, and trust in the team leading development.
This season may not bring the silverware. But the message is clear. Ferrari believe in their trajectory and in Fred Vasseur’s role at the centre of it.
The foundations are set. Now it’s time to deliver.