As Ferrari’s challenging season unfolds in Formula 1, CEO Benedetto Vigna has sparked fresh speculation about the future of team principal Fred Vasseur by declining to confirm his long-term position at the helm of Scuderia Ferrari.
Vasseur has faced increasing scrutiny following a disappointing campaign in which the team has failed to win a single race and slipped far behind title frontrunners McLaren.
The Italian outfit was team papaya’s closest rival in 2024, but McLaren has pulled away and left the Scuderia in its dust in the championship.
That context made Vigna’s remarks over the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone particularly noteworthy.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Vigna praised the unity within the Ferrari team but oddly gave no firm assurance about Vasseur’s job security, saying the situation remains under discussion.
“I like to come here and see the team united. I love being with people because they are the ones who always make the difference,” said Vigna.
“Teams grow with difficulties. Unity is strength and in Ferrari this is there and I can breathe it here.
“Vasseur’s future? He’s the team principal, it’s July and we’re discussing. We just had lunch together…”
©Ferrari
The Italian’s comments, while far from a dismissal, were also far from a vote of confidence – a silence that has reignited speculation about whether the Frenchman will remain in charge beyond the current season.
Vasseur himself was less than forthcoming when asked to respond to Vigna’s remarks following a lackluster showing at Silverstone. Asked about the nature of their “discussions,” Vasseur offered only a brief reply.
“I have nothing to add about the discussion with Mr. Vigna,” he said.
Vasseur’s muted response did little to dispel the rumors, particularly in a season where expectations have not been met despite major investment – including the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has yet to stand on the podium in red.
Ferrari’s current form has done little to strengthen Vasseur’s case. The team missed out on its first Constructors' Championship since 2008 by just 14 points in 2024 but has failed to carry that momentum into 2025.
McLaren, meanwhile, has surged ahead, claiming back-to-back one-two finishes and extending their championship lead to a daunting 238 points over Ferrari.
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At Silverstone, it was another tough outing. Leclerc gambled early with a pit stop to slicks on the formation lap but fell into the lower end of the field and never recovered, eventually finishing 14th after a late clash with teammate Carlos Sainz.
Hamilton, while more competitive, fell short of securing a long-awaited podium in his home race, finishing behind Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg.
The team’s failure to secure a single victory or podium halfway through the season is raising uncomfortable questions at Maranello just at the Scuderia prepares for F1’s critical 2026 regulation changes.
For now, Vasseur remains team principal – and Ferrari remains “discussing.”
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