Ferrari’s Turbulent Season: CEO Admits Team’s Struggles Amid Vasseur’s Future Uncertainty
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 community, Benedetto Vigna, the chief executive of Ferrari, has openly acknowledged that rival teams are functioning with a level of efficiency that the Scuderia seems to lack. The iconic racing team is facing its worst season since 2021, teetering on the brink of a winless campaign in the 2025 F1 season. With stars like Charles Leclerc managing just seven podium finishes and his high-profile teammate Lewis Hamilton, a former Mercedes ace, still searching for a top-three finish, the pressure is mounting.
Speculation ran rampant ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in June, suggesting that Ferrari might be considering a shake-up at the top, potentially replacing team principal Fred Vasseur. However, in an effort to quell the rumors and demonstrate faith in Vasseur’s leadership, Ferrari extended his contract for several years in July. Despite this show of confidence, the team’s persistent struggles, including the glaring absence of wins, have reignited doubts about Vasseur’s future.
Reports have surfaced that Ferrari initiated discussions with former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner prior to his departure from the team in July. Although the murmurs surrounding Horner’s possible return to Ferrari have been described as “wide of the mark,” the interest in securing a more prominent figure to lead the team raises eyebrows. Insiders suggest that Horner may be eyeing a role that involves ownership or shares in a team rather than returning as a principal.
Vigna, addressing the media, admitted, “There are other teams where everything seems to run more smoothly than it does for us.” This candid admission reflects a sobering reality for a team that prides itself on its storied legacy in motorsport. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring that “all the ingredients necessary to win are functioning properly,” acknowledging the dissatisfaction that has permeated the team this season.
Despite a recent podium finish in Mexico, Vigna urged caution, stating, “Unfortunately, the season has not gone the way we expected,” and emphasized that Ferrari must maintain focus as they approach the final four races in Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. “We will continue to work in a united and cohesive way because there are still four races to go, and we must give our best to see how things end.”
Adding to the narrative, Ferrari chairman John Elkann expressed unequivocal support for Vasseur at a recent event in Washington, D.C., highlighting the importance of teamwork: “I want to express our full confidence in team principal Fred Vasseur and in the work he is doing together with all his colleagues at Scuderia Ferrari.” His statements were aimed at reinforcing the team’s commitment to excellence, but were also viewed as a message to external parties, as Vasseur himself hinted that Elkann’s comments were directed at a “third party.”
As the team grapples with its internal turmoil and mounting external scrutiny, Vasseur noted the significance of Elkann’s supportive rhetoric in reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose among the team members. He remarked, “Yes, it’s important. Because, like this, you stop the discussion and you are focused on the next one and not to reply to all the questions about this.”
With tension mounting and the clock ticking down on the season, the question remains: Can Ferrari turn the tide before it’s too late, or will this be remembered as a season of missed opportunities? Fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether Vasseur can steer the Scuderia back to its winning ways or if the whispers of change will ultimately lead to a new direction for one of F1’s most storied teams.








