Ferrari extends contract of Team Principal Fred Vasseur
Scuderia Ferrari has handed a ‘multi-year’ contract extension to Team Principal Fred Vasseur as it aims to return to the top of Formula One.
The Frenchman, who was previously team principal at Renault, Sauber and Alfa Romeo, joined Ferrari in 2023, taking over from Mattia Binotto. He has been credited with bringing stability to the team after years of multiple driver changes and long periods of indifferent form.
His most significant move since joining was the acquisition of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton to race for the Prancing Horse alongside Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton commented on the news: “I’m happy about it. He told me yesterday,”
“I think it’s the best thing for the team, and also for me. As I’ve said before, one of the reasons I joined this team was to work with Fred again, so I’m pleased.”
Ferrari says the new contract reflects the team’s determination to ‘build on the foundations laid so far’, with upcoming regulation changes in 2026 potentially leading to significant change across the sport.
Eight-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025
“It reflects our trust in Fred’s leadership”
Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari: “Today we want to recognise what has been built and commit to what still needs to be achieved. It reflects our trust in Fred’s leadership — a trust rooted in shared ambition, mutual expectations and clear responsibility. We move forward with determination and focus, united in our pursuit of the level of performance Ferrari has to aim for.”
Fred Vasseur, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari: I’m grateful for the trust Ferrari continues to place in me. This renewal is not just a confirmation — it’s a challenge to keep progressing, to stay focused, and to deliver. Over the past 30 months, we’ve laid strong foundations, and now we must build on them with consistency and determination. We know what’s expected, and we’re all fully committed to meeting those expectations and taking the next step forward together.
Leclerc aims for first podium finish in Hungary
Formula One is set to begin a three-week summer break; however, first is the small matter of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Hungaroring hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the past, with the Monégasque driver looking to secure his first-ever podium finish at the circuit.
Leclerc goes into Hungary on the back of a strong third place finish at last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, and news of Vasseur’s contract extension was an added bonus ahead of Sunday’s race.
“I was in no doubt this was going to happen but at least now, we can put an end to the speculation and get back to concentrating solely on our work at the track,” Leclerc commented. “We know how important stability is in Formula 1 and I think this is the best thing that could have happened for the whole team.”
Leclerc’s teammate Lewis Hamilton has fared a lot better at the Hungaroring, securing eight race wins during his time at McLaren and Mercedes. Leclerc and Hamilton go into the race in fifth and sixth in the World Drivers’ Championship standings, respectively.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Scuderia Ferrari