Mercedes' Toto Wolff defends Ferrari's Fred Vasseur amid pressure
Toto Wolff Backs Ferrari Boss Fred Vasseur Amid Mounting Criticism
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has issued a strong endorsement of embattled Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, declaring that Ferrari "won’t get anyone better." The Formula 1 veteran’s comments come as Vasseur faces mounting criticism in Italy after a disappointing start to the season, despite the much-anticipated arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to the Scuderia.
Vasseur, who took over at the helm of Ferrari for the 2023 season, has found himself under fire from the fervent Italian media, with reports suggesting his position could be in jeopardy. However, Wolff offered glowing praise for his counterpart, highlighting Vasseur's expertise, character, and leadership qualities.
"Fred is one of the best racing managers that I know," Wolff said. "If I wasn’t here, I would take Fred. So, I respect him a lot. He’s a great personality—straightforward, no politics, no lies—and he knows what he’s talking about."
“Managing Ferrari Is Like Managing the Italian Football Team”
Wolff, who guided Mercedes to a record eight consecutive constructors' championships between 2014 and 2021, acknowledged the unique challenges of leading Ferrari. The Maranello-based team occupies a singular place in Formula 1, where the scrutiny of the Italian press and fans can be relentless.
"He’s perfectly aware that in Italy, he’s like managing the football national team," Wolff remarked. "You’re going to have scrutiny from the media. Maybe that’s something you need to grow a thick skin for, because if you win, you’re Jesus Christ. And if you lose, you’re a loser. That’s how Italy is, and that’s fantastic. That’s the passion that’s there, and you’ve got to embrace that.
"Maybe that’s something he needs to learn. But he should be given the confidence to run this team. They won’t get anybody better."
Wolff emphasized the need for Ferrari’s leadership to give Vasseur time to implement his vision and turn things around. Drawing parallels to Ferrari’s storied history, Wolff pointed to Jean Todt, who joined Ferrari in 1993 but only delivered their next drivers’ championship in 2000 with Michael Schumacher—a journey that spanned seven years.
"In Formula 1, you can’t buy time, and you need to give senior leadership the time to get on top of things,” Wolff said. "Jean Todt, if I’m not wrong, joined the team in 1993. They won the first championship in 2000. Eight years. That’s how it goes."
Lessons From Mercedes’ Current Struggles
Wolff also acknowledged the cyclical nature of success in the sport, citing Mercedes' current struggles after years of dominance.
"Look at us. I’m not enjoying being in a phase where it’s the third year in a row that we’re not fighting for a championship," Wolff admitted. "We’re not useless. We have really good weekends, we’re winning races, it’s respectable at times. And when it’s not good, nobody’s questioning whether the top guy is doing a good job or not."
Wolff urged Ferrari to give Vasseur and his team the space to work and restructure the organization, stressing that immediate results should not be the expectation.
“Leave him the space. Let him do [his job]. Allow him to structure an organization that isn’t going to grip from day one," Wolff said. "Loïc [Serra] has been there six or seven months. They need to just let them work."
A Show of Solidarity
In a sport where pressure and expectations are ever-present, Wolff's words stand as a rare public show of solidarity across team lines—a reminder that patience and long-term planning are often the keys to success in Formula 1.
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