Fred Vasseur has been handed a new multi-year deal as Ferrari team principal despite ongoing speculation about his future – and Lewis Hamilton has backed the Frenchman
Lewis Hamilton has reacted to news of boss Frederic Vasseur’s Ferrari contract extension(Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton declared he has “absolute confidence” in Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur. The Brit’s vote of support comes after confirmation the Frenchman has penned a fresh multi-year contract with the Scuderia following months of speculation over his future.
Vasseur’s role has come under the microscope this campaign, with the Scuderia failing to secure a single victory beyond Hamilton’s sprint triumph in China back in March. Axed former Red Bull boss Christian Horner has even been touted for the position since his departure earlier this month.
Since switching from Mercedes, Hamilton hasn’t managed a grand prix podium in Ferrari red – a barren run spanning 13 races – marking the longest he has ever waited for a top-three result.
Yet, ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the 40-year-old declared himself delighted with the news of Vasseur’s new deal. He said: “I am always positive about Fred, and I have told everyone that. I told you before it was the right choice.
“Fred signed me here. He is completely different to [Mercedes team principal] Toto [Wolff] but in terms of characters they are both massive racers. The real positive when I worked with Toto was how he was able to utilise individuals and figure out how people work best and how to get the most out of someone.
“For me, he created me with freedom to be able to express myself the way I wanted to and that enabled me to be the best version of myself. Fred is similar in that respect. I am still trying to learn the way he works. But I have absolute confidence in Fred, as I have always said.”
Hamilton sits sixth in the championship standings, trailing the title leader by 157 points and lagging 30 points behind team-mate Charles Leclerc. Ferrari currently occupy second place in the constructors’ championship with Mercedes 28 points behind. Their most recent drivers’ championship triumph came in 2007, whilst their last constructors’ title followed in 2008.
The British driver revealed at last week’s Belgian Grand Prix that he had held discussions with Ferrari’s senior leadership – including chairman John Elkann, CEO Benedetto Vigna and Vasseur – and presented two reports detailing his thoughts on why the Italian team are struggling for pace.
Ahead of the final race before the summer shutdown, Ferrari announced: “Scuderia Ferrari HP is pleased to announce that it has extended, with a multiple-year contract, its agreement with Fred Vasseur, who will continue as team principal for the coming Formula 1 seasons.
Frederic Vasseur has signed a new deal with Ferrari(Image: Sutton Images)
“Fred joined the Scuderia at the beginning of 2023, bringing with him extensive motorsport experience and a proven ability to develop talent and build competitive teams across all levels of racing. Since then, he has laid a solid foundation with the ambition of returning Ferrari to the top of Formula 1.
“Renewing Fred’s contract reflects Ferrari’s determination to build on the foundations laid so far. His ability to lead under pressure, embrace innovation, and pursue performance aligns fully with Ferrari’s values and long-term ambitions.
“Under Fred’s leadership, Scuderia Ferrari HP is united, focused, and committed to continuous improvement. The trust placed in him reflects the team’s confidence in its strategic direction and reinforces a shared determination to deliver the results that Ferrari’s fans, drivers, and team members expect and deserve.”
The 57-year-old Frenchman Vasseur added: “I’m grateful for the trust Ferrari continues to place in me. This renewal is not just a confirmation – it’s a challenge to keep progressing, to stay focused, and to deliver.
“Over the past 30 months, we’ve laid strong foundations, and now we must build on them with consistency and determination. We know what’s expected, and we’re all fully committed to meeting those expectations and taking the next step forward together.”
