Frederic Vasseur openly acknowledges that Ferrari cannot operate in a state of complete calm while speculation about his future continues to swirl, especially after Christian Horner’s remarks about the "dream" job that Formula 1 represents. Vasseur, who arrived at Ferrari from Sauber to take over as team principal in 2023, has overseen a resurgence this season, guiding the Scuderia back to race‑winning form after a dismal 2025 campaign.
Yet the team’s challenge for the world championship against Mercedes has dwindled in recent weeks, highlighted by a five‑race stretch without a single podium finish. In a recent interview with The Times, former Red Bull team boss Christian Horner suggested that Ferrari would be the only outfit he would contemplate returning to the pit wall for, provided he did not have to acquire an ownership stake—a factor he has been emphasizing for any potential comeback to the sport.
The comment added fuel to the fire, prompting questions about whether external chatter was affecting the morale of the Scuderia. When asked after Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix—where Ferrari’s drivers finished fourth and sixth—if the constant media noise was a distraction, Vasseur admitted the situation was "frustrating." He explained, "We are not working in perfect serenity. For me, and for everyone in the team, the media, the endless questions—it’s a bit of a frustrating situation. We are fighting for second place in the championship, and the constant discussion about my job isn’t the most productive conversation we can have in the garage.
But that’s the reality; it’s not something I can control." Vasseur then turned his attention to Horner, noting, "Mr. Horner is looking for a job. Everybody knows, everywhere. What can I do?
I just try to do my best to push the team, to keep them motivated, to focus on what we can improve today, and not waste time on gossip. In every interview I hear that question about the job, maybe twenty‑five times a day." Despite the chatter, Vasseur reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari, reminding everyone that he signed a multi‑year extension last year and that his dedication to the role is unquestionable.
"The sport is my life, it’s my business," the 58‑year‑old said. "I’m trying to do my best. I have the best job in the world, and I’m here to do it. We still have seven races left, and we’ll fight for every corner." Lewis Hamilton, who moved from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season, cited Vasseur’s presence as a key factor in his decision.
The seven‑time champion confirmed to Sky Sports F1 after the Baku race that he believes the team is on a positive trajectory under Vasseur’s leadership. Even before his dismissal from Red Bull in July 2025, Horner had been sporadically linked with Ferrari due to his impressive record of eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships while at Red Bull.
Sky Sports F1 analyst Jacques Villeneuve stressed that any team considering a managerial change must take Horner’s availability seriously. "Christian Horner is someone you have to consider seriously because he built the winning Red Bull team," the 1997 world champion told Sky Sports News in Baku. "He brings a lot of positive baggage, a history of success, so you have to factor that in." Villeneuve added that while the prospect of Horner joining Ferrari isn’t necessarily frightening for the current staff, it does mean the organization must stay vigilant. "I wouldn’t say it’s scary for those in place, but you need to be on your toes," he said.
Vasseur is now Ferrari’s fifth team principal in nine years, having taken the helm at the start of the 2023 season. His tenure marks the fourth year of his stewardship, a period during which the team has experienced both highs—race victories and a return to the podium—and lows, such as the recent winless streak.
The former driver also noted the unique pressures of leading the Scuderia. "Ferrari is not an easy place to be. We’ve seen so many changes—two or three years, maybe the next one—because results don’t always come.
You’re always on an ejectable seat and you have to be careful," Villeneuve explained, underscoring the volatile nature of the role. As the Formula 1 calendar moves toward its next destination, the sport will head to Malaysia for the first time since 2017, with the Bahrain Grand Prix set to take place at the Sepang International Circuit. Fans can watch live coverage on Sky Sports F1, and the streaming service NOW offers a contract‑free option for those who wish to follow the action. In summary, while speculation about Vasseur’s future and Horner’s potential return continues to dominate headlines, the Ferrari team remains focused on extracting the maximum performance from their cars and drivers.
Vasseur’s message is clear: the noise outside the garage will not dictate the team’s internal strategy. Instead, the Scuderia will concentrate on improving lap times, securing podiums, and ultimately fighting for the championship until the very last race of the season.