Formula 1 is ablaze with rumors and speculations surrounding Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, but amidst all the chaos, a powerful voice has emerged in his support – the Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
As Ferrari’s title hopes continue to fade, Vasseur has found himself under intense scrutiny and pressure. Italian media has labeled Ferrari’s performance this season as “unsatisfactory,” adding fuel to the fire of rumors about Vasseur’s potential dismissal.
However, Vasseur has stood his ground, denouncing the rumors as “stupid” and emphasizing that the constant media scrutiny is only serving as a hindrance to Ferrari’s efforts to overcome its current struggles.
In a show of unwavering support, former Ferrari chief and current F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has come to Vasseur’s defense. In an interview with France’s L’Equipe, Domenicali commended Vasseur’s work and encouraged him to stay focused amidst the storm of criticism and speculation.
“He is doing a great job and must remain strong on his objectives,” Domenicali stated. “He needs to disconnect from the external noise and conserve his energy to keep pushing forward.”
Domenicali’s faith in Vasseur is resolute. “I believe in him. He must not let these attacks weaken him; criticism is always part of the job. Let him work in peace – that’s how Ferrari will get back to the top.”
Having led Ferrari through a challenging period from 2008 to 2014, Domenicali understands the pressure and expectations that come with the role. Ferrari has been grappling with a title drought since the departure of Kimi Raikkonen as the last driver to secure a championship for the team in 2007.
Despite coming close last season, Ferrari fell short to McLaren in the 2024 Abu Dhabi finale. This year, the gap between Ferrari and McLaren continues to widen, with Ferrari trailing by 191 points in the championship standings.
As the storm of rumors rages on, one thing is clear – with Domenicali’s backing, Vasseur has a strong ally in his corner. Will this support be enough to steer Ferrari back to glory? Only time will tell in this high-stakes world of Formula 1.