Andretti has ‘lost faith’ in Vasseur but backs Ferrari to rise again

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Motorsport legend Mario Andretti has weighed in on the ongoing struggles at Ferrari, offering a mix of criticism and optimism for the Italian powerhouse.

Speaking at the Festival dello Sport last weekend in Trento, the 1978 F1 world champion didn’t shy away from commenting on the team’s performance or its leadership, while also sharing thoughts on the new Cadillac-Ferrari collaboration set to enter F1 in 2026.

Ferrari has endured a challenging year, which continues to unfold without a single win on the board. But despite the Italian outfit’s lean period, Andretti remains convinced the Scuderia will reclaim its former glory – provided it finds strong leadership.

The American icon, a former Scuderia stalwart is concerned by Ferrari’s current performance under team principal Fred Vasseur stewardship.

“Ferrari will return to the top of Formula 1, but I’ve lost faith in Vasseur. I don’t think he’s taking the right direction for the team,” Andretti said, quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The potential is there, but I don’t see the leadership that Ferrari deserves. There’s too much talent in Maranello for the results to stay where they are. They need a strong, clear hand guiding them.”

Despite his criticism, Andretti remains confident in Ferrari’s resilience and enduring passion for racing:

“The Prancing Horse will never stop galloping. Ferrari will always come back. It just needs the right person to lead it again,” he added.

“I know the passion is still there inside those walls in Maranello. It just needs to be guided properly.”

Looking to the Future: Cadillac Collaboration

Andretti also highlighted the upcoming partnership between Cadillac and Ferrari, describing it as a potential game-changer for the sport.

The 12-time Grand Prix winner, a member of Cadillac F1’s board of directors, sees the collaboration as a meeting of complementary strengths that could leave a lasting mark on Formula 1.

Read also: Cadillac moves to quell F1 rivals’ fears over Ferrari car loan plan

“The Cadillac powered by Ferrari project represents an incredible opportunity for both sides,” he explained.

“It’s the meeting of two cultures – Italian engineering and American determination. Ferrari brings technology and history; Cadillac brings ambition and innovation.

“Together, they can create something truly special for Formula 1.”

Andretti a Big Fan of Leclerc

The 85-year-old also weighed in on current F1 talent, offering his thoughts on the top drivers while singling out Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

“Verstappen is very strong,” Andretti said. “I like Piastri for his grit, but it seems to me that at McLaren, for some reason – I don’t know why – they favour Lando Norris.

©Ferrari

“I’m a big fan of Leclerc; if he really wanted to change teams one day, I’d take him to Cadillac straight away. Ferrari is Ferrari, and sooner or later it will come back. Always.”

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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.