Fred Vasseur fires back at Italian media for ‘disrespectful’ reports amid sacking rumors

MONTREAL — Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur Denies Sack Rumors, Criticizes Italian Media

Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur has publicly criticized elements of the Italian media, vehemently denying rumors that he is on the verge of losing his position following the Scuderia's underwhelming start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Reports from high-profile Italian outlets, including Corriere della Sera—Italy's most widely read newspaper—have cast a shadow over Ferrari's current campaign, suggesting that Vasseur's tenure may be in jeopardy. The scrutiny intensified after a La Gazzetta dello Sport article raised concerns about technical director Loïc Serra's performance. Serra, brought onboard alongside Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes this season, was identified as a key figure in Ferrari's pursuit of a championship revival.

Vasseur Speaks Out Ahead of Canadian GP

Vasseur, who faced the media on Friday ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix, adopted a combative tone while addressing the speculation. In an opening quip referencing the FIA’s recent crackdown on profanity in media settings, Vasseur remarked, "First, I have to stay calm because I will have to visit the stewards," before delving into a pointed critique of some media practices.

Vasseur lamented the toll such media reports take on his team, stating, "It's some Italian media, it's not all Italian media. It's not about myself, because this I can manage. It's more about the people of the team. To throw their names like this, I think it's just disrespectful for them, for the family."

Impact of False Rumors on Ferrari

Vasseur specifically identified the disruptive influence of false rumors, which he said detracted from Ferrari's focus on its championship ambitions. "When you are fighting for the championship, every single detail makes the difference. And from the beginning of the weekend we are just speaking about this," he said.

"At one stage, it’s the lack of focus. And if it's their target to put the team in this situation, they reach their goal. But I think it's really... It’s not like this that we will be able to win a championship. And at least not with this kind of journalist around us."

The Italian press has long been known for its passionate and often hyperbolic coverage of Ferrari, but Vasseur said the recent flurry of negative reporting has crossed a line. He emphasized the need for a "clean environment" in order to succeed.

"We are in this situation on a daily basis now in Italy, and too much is too much," he continued. "Honestly, if they want [us] to be successful at one stage, we have also to be able to work in a clean environment. And we are not in this situation so far."

An Example of Media Speculation

The Ferrari boss provided a striking example of just how out-of-hand the rumors have become. "The person that we are speaking about last year, I had to Google the name of the guy to see the face of the guy," Vasseur said. "We are at this point now that they are able to spread a rumor about someone I have never met in my life."

While Vasseur acknowledged that public scrutiny comes with the territory of leading Ferrari, he expressed deeper concern for how the speculation affects his staff.

"I knew perfectly that I'm exposed," Vasseur said regarding his own position. "The issue is not the team principal because we are fully aware... I think the issue in this kind of situation is more the people of the team. And this is affecting me much more than my own position."

He described the human toll such rumors can create within an organization. "You have to understand that when a journalist is saying that 'Ferrari will recruit this name for this position,' there is someone who is in this position. And Sunday evening, the guy says, 'OK, tomorrow morning I won’t have a job anymore because if what is in the newspaper is true, that I will have someone in my position.'"

Hamilton’s Endorsement and Vasseur’s Leadership

Amid the backdrop of the media storm, Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this year, offered vocal support for Vasseur, calling him the driving force behind Hamilton's decision to move from Mercedes. While the seven-time world champion’s endorsement holds weight, it remains to be seen whether it can quell the mounting pressure surrounding Ferrari’s leadership.

Vasseur's relationship with the Italian press is emblematic of the high-stakes environment that comes with leading Formula 1's most storied team. The coming months will test not only Ferrari's ability to deliver results on the track but also Vasseur's capacity to maintain morale within Maranello as the intense scrutiny continues.

Ensuring Unity and Focus

With Ferrari currently grappling to reestablish itself as a championship contender, cohesion within the team may prove to be just as vital as performance on the circuit. As Vasseur continues to face questions about his future, his message remains clear: the team’s success depends on unity, focus, and respect—both internally and externally.

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