Vasseur to miss Austrian GP – d’Ambrosio takes the helm at Ferrari

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Ferrari will be without team principal Fred Vasseur on Sunday at the Austrian Grand Prix, after the Frenchman was forced to return home unexpectedly due to "personal reasons".

The Scuderia confirmed the news ahead of the race, marking the first time Vasseur has missed a Grand Prix since taking charge of Ferrari at the beginning of the 2023 season.

In Vasseur’s absence, deputy team boss and Ferrari Driver Academy chief Jérôme d’Ambrosio will assume pit wall duties for the team at the Red Bull Ring.

It’s an unanticipated promotion for d’Ambrosio, who joined Ferrari in October 2023. The Belgian previously served as Driver Development Director at Mercedes and filled in for Toto Wolff at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2023.

The 39-year-old former driver made 20 Formula 1 starts, including a full season with Virgin Racing in 2011n complimented by reserve roles with Renault and Lotus.

D’Ambrosio also held leadership roles in Formula E with Venturi Racing after a six-year stint as a driver in the all-electric series.

His experience in both team management and racing operations makes him a capable stand-in during a critical weekend for Ferrari.

A Crucial Race for the Scuderia

Vasseur’s absence comes at an important moment for Ferrari, who are enjoying one of their strongest weekends of the 2025 season.

Charles Leclerc secured a front-row start in Saturday’s qualifying, splitting the two McLarens, while teammate Lewis Hamilton will line up fourth on the grid on Sunday – his best starting position of the year.

Read also: Hamilton turns upbeat after ‘best qualifying process’ by Ferrari

Ferrari have implemented a series of upgrades on their SF-25, mainly centered around the car’s floor and which appear to have significantly improved performance across the weekend.

With both drivers in contention for a podium at the Red Bull Ring, the team will be looking to capitalise on its momentum.

While Vasseur's presence will be missed, d’Ambrosio will now carry the responsibility of guiding Ferrari through what could prove to be a pivotal race in their championship campaign.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.