We Are Going in the Right Direction: Fred Vasseur on His New Deal, Ferrari's Progress, and the Challenge Facing Lewis Hamilton

Lawrence Barretto speaks with Ferrari's Fred Vasseur about his new contract and the team's progress.

Fred Vasseur has secured a new multi-year deal as the team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, reaffirming his leadership at one of Formula 1’s most iconic and demanding teams. This extension comes amid a challenging yet hopeful phase for Ferrari, which is currently rebuilding and refining its approach to return to championship-winning form.

Vasseur embodies a steadying presence at Ferrari, overseeing an engineering and racing operation that remains fiercely competitive. As of mid-2025, Ferrari holds second place in the Constructors' Championship — trailing behind McLaren and gaining on powerhouse teams like Red Bull and Mercedes. Despite not yet fully delivering on the high expectations set in recent seasons, the team has taken clear steps forward under Vasseur's guidance.

The 2025 season has been a lesson in managing complexities inherent in modern F1 car performance. Ferrari’s SF-25 has faced difficulties particularly with ride height sensitivity and plank wear issues, forcing compromises between mechanical grip and reliability. Balancing high-speed stability with low-speed cornering performance has been a technical puzzle; however, Vasseur is confident the team is closing gaps that previously seemed daunting.

In recent races, driver Charles Leclerc has spoken about testing bold new setups that cater better to his driving style, offering glimpses of promise. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s arrival in the Ferrari garage brought unparalleled experience, yet the season has been a rollercoaster with highs, such as a sprint race victory in China, and lows marked by ongoing car performance constraints.

Vasseur emphasizes that gains will come incrementally, saying that performance improvements are often the sum of many small advancements in car balance, aero, and mechanical setups, rather than one revolutionary change. This patient, methodical approach aims to unlock the SF-25’s full potential as the season progresses.

Looking beyond individual races, Ferrari’s strategy under Vasseur is to build a reliable foundation of competitive pace and consistency to challenge for wins and ultimately, championships again. Despite setbacks, Vasseur sees positive signs and insists that the team is moving in the right direction, focused on long-term success rather than quick fixes.

The renewed confidence in his leadership and the collaborative spirit within the team reflect a shared ambition to restore Ferrari to the pinnacles of Formula 1 glory. As the season unfolds, all eyes remain on how the SF-25 evolves and whether Ferrari can turn steady progress into tangible victories that will satisfy the legendary team's passionate fanbase.

Fred Vasseur’s extension is a vote of confidence in the direction he has charted for Ferrari, navigating one of Formula 1’s most intricate and competitive landscapes while handling the pressures that come with command of history’s most storied racing team.