Ferrari has decided to maintain Frederic Vasseur as its Formula 1 team principal through the 2026 season, solidifying his role during a critical period of technical transformation. This commitment, reported as underway at the conclusion of the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix, ensures stability for the Italian squad despite ongoing performance challenges.
There had been ongoing speculation about Ferrari possibly replacing Vasseur with prominent figures including Red Bull’s Christian Horner or WEC head Antonello Coletta. However, Ferrari’s leadership has expressed confidence in continuing with Vasseur, who took over from Mattia Binotto in early 2023 amid the collapse of the team‘s title aspirations.
Vasseur’s Impact and Team Performance Since Taking Charge
Since assuming the team principal role, Frederic Vasseur has navigated a turbulent period, managing to secure Ferrari’s only non-Red Bull victory at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. The 2024 season closed with Ferrari trailing McLaren by 14 points in the Constructors’ Championship, showing progress but insufficient to challenge for the title. The 2025 season has so far been marked by inconsistent results despite strong efforts from drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Vasseur’s ability to stabilize the team earned renewed managerial support, particularly as Ferrari prepares for sweeping regulatory changes in 2026. The development of the new Project 678 car, led by Technical Director Loic Serra who joined Maranello in October 2024, is a centerpiece for Ferrari’s future prospects and a key factor underpinning the extension talks.
Strategic Stability Ahead of New Technical Regulations
Ferrari’s leadership has committed to shielding its existing technical and management framework to foster continuity during the sport’s upcoming transition period. CEO Benedetto Vigna hinted at this direction during the Silverstone race weekend when he confirmed ongoing positive discussions about Vasseur’s position.
“Fred is our team principal. It’s July and we’re having positive discussions. There’s trust, and we’ve time.”
—Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari CEO
The contract is expected to span multiple years, though exact terms have not been made public. This decision reportedly receives support from both Leclerc and Hamilton, who have openly expressed their confidence and loyalty toward Vasseur’s leadership.
Insights from Ferrari’s Spa Weekend Performance
Away from leadership matters, Ferrari’s 2025 campaign showed promising developments during the Spa Grand Prix. The SF-25 car received several suspension upgrades aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency and reducing tire degradation, tailored specifically to the high-speed Belgian circuit’s demands.
Lewis Hamilton’s race was notably strong, recovering from a pit lane start at 18th position to finish seventh after making tactical early pit stops on medium tires. Charles Leclerc secured third place, holding off a late charge from Max Verstappen to deliver Ferrari its fifth podium of the season and the 834th in its Formula 1 history.
Vasseur recognized the challenges posed by the sprint weekend format and wet weather conditions in data collection but emphasized the importance of the decisions made during the race.
“It’s never easy to introduce something on a Sprint weekend, but we didn’t want to postpone to Budapest. It’s true that with the format of the weekend, the fact that you don’t long stint on Friday or you’re doing a long stint of four laps, it’s not easy to have references. But at the end I think it was the right call because it’s also the best preparation for us for Hungary.”
—Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal
Current Standing and Outlook for Ferrari’s Future
Following Spa, Ferrari sits second in the Constructors’ Championship behind McLaren, with a significant 268-point gap. While their position ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull demonstrates some resilience, further development is needed to close the gap to the front of the grid.
Charles Leclerc’s consistent performances have kept him tied on podium finishes with Max Verstappen this season, signaling potential for future competitiveness. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s efforts, though not always reflected in results, have contributed positively to the team’s racecraft and strategy refinement.
With Frederic Vasseur confirmed to lead Ferrari through 2026, the team is poised to approach the next technical era with a combination of continuity and renewed focus, aiming to rebuild its championship challenge after a demanding season.