Ferrari has backed team principal Fred Vasseur during an unexpected media call, attempting to halt speculation over his future and potential interest from former Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
The Italian Formula One team alerted journalists to the online meeting at just 25 minutes' notice on Tuesday morning. The briefing was held to express solidarity with Vasseur and confirm complete confidence in his management group.
Ferrari chief communications officer Maria Conti led the conversation with a group of around 15 reporters during the English-language session, with a separate conference planned for Italian media. Conti confirmed that the Scuderia wanted to end rumors surrounding its leadership.
"I am officially saying that Ferrari has made its choices and has full confidence in Fred Vasseur and his team," Conti told journalists. "Nothing has changed. So that's it."
The public show of support comes despite growing pressure on Vasseur following disappointing results on the track. Ferrari chairman John Elkann has yet to see the team challenge for a world championship, despite committing to an £80 million annual salary to sign driver Lewis Hamilton.
Vasseur, who took over as Scuderia boss in 2023, has also faced internal criticism for failing to learn Italian beyond a few words. The French manager continues to communicate primarily in English and French within the Maranello headquarters.
According to reports by Daily Mail Sport on Monday, the 58-year-old is also dealing with health issues related to his heart and the extreme stress of leading Formula One's most famous team.
Fred Vasseur background and team performance
Vasseur's appointment to the top role at Ferrari raised questions following a quiet spell managing Alfa Romeo, where his team failed to win races and spent years at the back of the grid. Critics in the paddock have described him as "Championship Manager", suggesting he excels in junior categories where he previously helped nurture Hamilton, but lacks the clout needed at the elite level.
Speculation over Vasseur's position intensified alongside rumors that former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner could be in line to take over. Horner was dismissed by Red Bull last year in an £80 million financial settlement following nearly two decades in charge.
While Horner has not publicly campaigned for the role or sought to undermine Vasseur, he recently admitted his admiration for the Maranello outfit. Speaking to The Times last week, Horner described Ferrari as the biggest brand in Formula One and the ultimate dream in motorsport.
"At this stage in my life, there's only one team for which I would accept non-participation in ownership," Horner told The Times. "Would I consider Ferrari? I mean, Ferrari is the biggest brand in Formula One. It's the dream. And arguably it's the sleeping giant of Formula One."
Ferrari leadership history
Despite Ferrari's clear public backing of Vasseur, media statements from Maranello do not always guarantee job security. In 2022, Ferrari issued a statement confirming that Mattia Binotto would remain in post as team principal, with chairman Elkann personally reassuring him. Binotto was dismissed just a few weeks later.
