Ferrari’s Future in Jeopardy: Piero Ferrari Backs Fred Vasseur Amidst Growing Pressure
In a bold declaration that could reshape the trajectory of the legendary Prancing Horse, Piero Ferrari, the heir to the Ferrari dynasty, has thrown his weight behind team principal Fred Vasseur. This comes as Vasseur faces mounting scrutiny over Ferrari’s failure to reclaim its former glory in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. Under Vasseur’s stewardship since December 2022, the team has grappled with a disheartening reality: the last time Ferrari clinched the Constructors’ Championship was in 2008, and no driver has donned the coveted drivers’ crown since Kimi Raikkonen’s triumph in 2007.
Piero Ferrari, son of the iconic founder Enzo Ferrari, who passed away over three decades ago, remains optimistic about the team’s quest for success. When questioned by La Gazzetta dello Sport regarding the current team’s spirit, he emphatically stated, “I think so. The spirit is the same; just look at the employees: there is a very strong sense of belonging.” He further emphasized the dedication of the workforce in Maranello, noting, “You see them still wearing their uniforms after work because being part of Ferrari is something of great value to those who work there.”
Despite this unwavering spirit, the 2025 season has not unfolded as anticipated. Ferrari entered the season with high expectations, especially following the acquisition of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. However, what began as a promising campaign has quickly turned into a nightmare. Hamilton, who has yet to secure a victory in his new red attire, recently hinted that perhaps it might be time for someone else to take the wheel, raising eyebrows and concerns among fans and pundits alike.
On the other hand, Charles Leclerc has shown flashes of brilliance, consistently outperforming Hamilton and achieving podium finishes on five occasions. Yet, with ten races still to go, both drivers find themselves out of the championship race, an alarming position for a team of Ferrari’s stature. Currently clinging to second place in the Constructors’ standings, they trail behind the dominant McLaren team by nearly 300 points, a staggering gap that underscores the challenges ahead.
In light of the critical scrutiny surrounding Vasseur, it is noteworthy that he has secured a new contract, suggesting that the Ferrari hierarchy remains committed to his vision. As the 2026 season looms with new engine regulations on the horizon, the team must adapt swiftly to the evolving landscape of Formula 1. The pressure is on Ferrari to ensure that their drivers can navigate these changes effectively and reclaim their place at the pinnacle of motorsport.
As the F1 world watches with bated breath, the question remains: can Fred Vasseur turn the tide for Ferrari, or will the iconic brand continue to languish in the shadows of its former glory? The stakes have never been higher for this legendary team, and fans eagerly await the outcome.