Ferrari, recognized as Italy’s representative squad in Formula 1, has built an enormous and passionate following over its 76-year history in the sport. The atmosphere at Monza, for instance, would be significantly diminished without the presence of its grandstands adorned in Rosso Corsa.
Despite Ferrari’s lack of championship victories since 2008, the devotion to the team within its Italian base endures steadfastly. A fresh wave of optimism is building for 2026, spurred by the Scuderia’s impressive displays during pre-season trials; should the SF-26’s initial performance carry through to the actual racing season, the red-clad tifosi could very well erupt in celebratory cheers.
Alongside this optimism comes the immense anticipation of millions of supporters, desperate for success and keen to witness Ferrari clinch victories. This anticipation, however, also carries a less positive aspect, especially concerning the intense scrutiny and demands imposed on the team by Italy’s domestic press.
No other Formula 1 manufacturer commands such a high level of devoted public attention as Ferrari, with some media platforms exclusively focusing on developments at Maranello. This intense interest naturally generates speculation, which quickly starts to impact individuals within the organization personally.
Upon assuming the position of Ferrari team principal in 2023, Fred Vasseur understood that the inherent stresses were part of his responsibilities. He successfully dismissed conjectures regarding his own tenure, with talk in early 2025 about Christian Horner potentially replacing him being dismissed when Vasseur secured a new agreement. What truly troubles the Frenchman, however, is how persistent gossip and reports about new engineers joining the squad impact his current staff.
“It doesn’t personally bother me,” Vasseur informed Autosport. “When I committed to Ferrari, I fully understood the public scrutiny that my position would entail. At this point, my age and accumulated experience prevent me from being swayed by external speculation.
Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
“However, it’s important to remember that our team comprises numerous individuals, often young engineers, all deeply immersed in their tasks. On multiple occasions, they’ve encountered reports in the press naming engineers supposedly destined for Maranello.
“I knew definitively that these reports lacked basis, but those directly affected became anxious. This is quite natural. If the press indicates that someone is being hired for your exact role, it’s reasonable to feel that your job security is threatened.
“I had an instance where an individual visited my office because his spouse had seen news suggesting he would be dismissed. This illustrates the type of situation I’m referencing. I reiterate: personally, I am unaffected, but it’s regrettable when needless complications emerge internally.
“While one might contend that anyone involved in Formula 1, particularly at Ferrari, should anticipate this, it’s a natural human reaction to feel concern, irrespective of one’s profession or affiliation.”
This issue isn’t a recent phenomenon. Upon his arrival at Ferrari in 1996, Ross Brawn prohibited staff from consuming newspapers in the workplace, aiming to prevent any reports from undermining their morale. Brawn sought to foster an environment where Ferrari’s engineers felt empowered to explore novel concepts without the constraint of media scrutiny, avoiding a cautious approach.
Vasseur discussed his connection with Ferrari’s leadership committee, headed by Chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna, commending their responsiveness when he seeks their input on the team’s strategic future.
John Elkann, Chairman and CEO of Ferrari
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Nevertheless, even with periods of difficulty last season when Ferrari’s results fell short of the high hopes established by its unexpected constructors’ championship bid in 2024, Vasseur perceived the rapport as robust.
“Our working relationship is positive,” he further stated. “A significant benefit at Ferrari is the direct line of communication: whenever a critical choice is required, or when seeking input on a matter is important, I can promptly engage with senior management.
“This level of proximity is vital. I’m keenly aware of this, as it wasn’t always the case in my prior professional roles. It’s not something to be taken for granted, and in F1, swift decision-making is paramount.”
