The Ferrari Formula 1 team finds itself in a precarious position as rumors grow that current team principal Fred Vasseur may be replaced by Antonello Coletta at the end of the 2025 season. Despite Vasseur’s public dismissal of these claims, Italian media outlets suggest a leadership change is imminent as Ferrari struggles to recapture its former dominance.

Lewis Hamilton, recently signed by Ferrari, has openly appreciated Vasseur’s role in his decision to join the Scuderia, yet the uncertainty surrounding Ferrari’s management poses potential risks to his future with the team. The challenge for Ferrari is not only in choosing the right successor but also in maintaining stability while chasing their first World Championship since 2007.

Antonello Coletta: The Rising Candidate to Lead Ferrari’s F1 Revival

While Ferrari’s Formula 1 division has lagged behind rivals like Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull, its World Endurance Championship (WEC) team has flourished under Antonello Coletta’s guidance. Coletta, the Global Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti, has overseen three consecutive victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, demonstrating his ability to lead a successful racing program.

Coletta, born in Rome in 1967, holds an Economics and Business degree from La Sapienza University and brings a broad motorsport background including stints at Forti Corse, Peugeot, and Alfa Romeo. Although he has never led an F1 team directly, his respected strategic acumen in endurance racing and his close working relationship with Ferrari chairman John Elkann could provide the leadership Ferrari desperately needs to restore its winning culture.

Comparing Ferrari’s F1 Struggles with Endurance Success

Despite Coletta’s strong record in endurance racing, Ferrari’s F1 team under Vasseur continues to face challenges. Following a disappointing weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix, the team lies third in the Constructors’ Championship, with Hamilton yet to achieve a podium finish or Grand Prix victory this season. Ferrari’s lead over Red Bull is slim, just 21 points, intensifying pressure on the management.

The F1 squad’s performance contrasts sharply with their WEC counterparts, who have won every round so far this season and hold a clear lead over rivals Toyota. This disparity has fueled speculation that bringing Coletta to F1 could inject the necessary winning mentality to reverse Ferrari’s fortunes on the track.

The Risks and Realities of a Leadership Change at Ferrari

Replacing Vasseur carries considerable risk for Ferrari, particularly given Hamilton’s public support for the current principal. The British driver’s trust in Vasseur has been highlighted at recent press events, yet Ferrari’s longstanding hunger for championships means decisive action could still be taken if performance does not improve.

Previous team principal changes have impacted F1 teams dramatically, as seen at Red Bull following Adrian Newey’s departure, leading to a significant team reshuffle. Ferrari must weigh these lessons carefully to avoid destabilizing the team further while aiming to return as genuine title contenders.

Grinding one team principal after another: Maurizio Arrivabene, Mattia Binotto and now Frederic Vasseur, about to be replaced at the end of the season by Antonello Coletta, the man behind Ferrari’s three triumphs at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

—La Gazzetta dello Sport

With Coletta’s proven strategic expertise and proven leadership in endurance racing, Ferrari hopes to build a foundation of stability, attract strong driving talent, and ultimately break their long-standing championship drought. However, maintaining harmony within the F1 team and ensuring Lewis Hamilton’s commitment will be critical components of any successful transition.