Ferrari Appoints New Executive to Oversee Team Principal Vasseur

Ferrari Facing Internal Turmoil: Leclerc hints at “Strange” Issue as Vasseur’s Future Hangs in the Balance

Silverstone, UK – Ferrari’s struggles in the 2025 season are deepening, with a mysterious performance issue plaguing the team and the future of Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur now under scrutiny. While recent upgrades – including a new flat bottom and an upcoming rear suspension slated for Spa – aim to address on-track shortcomings, a cryptic warning from Charles Leclerc suggests the problem runs far deeper.

Following the British Grand Prix, Leclerc alluded to a basic, unexplained issue within the car. “It is not a problem of balance or grip,” he stated, carefully adding, “I don’t want to go into details, but it’s just something very strange that we have to fight in the car. Especially at high speed, it makes things even more difficult.” he expressed hope for a swift resolution but remained tight-lipped on specifics.

Vasseur, adhering to team directives, remained equally guarded. “Charles also said that he would not disclose it. I must follow the team’s instructions,” he chuckled, acknowledging the difficulties the team is facing.

The concerns are amplified by comments from incoming driver Lewis Hamilton, who stressed the urgency of addressing certain car characteristics, stating that “Some aspects of this car cannot absolutely be postponed to next year.”

This performance anxiety coincides with internal discussions regarding Vasseur’s position. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna recently confirmed that Vasseur’s future is being “discussed,” and the Team Principal has been under increased observation from Ferrari leadership in recent races. Piero Ferrari (Montreal), Michele Antoniazzi (Austria), and Vigna himself (Silverstone) have all been present to closely monitor the team’s operations.

The potential restructuring appears to be inspired by successful models at McLaren and Sauber/audi, with Vigna reportedly considering a hierarchical shift – adding a “super-boss” to oversee Vasseur, mirroring the structures at those teams and perhaps Red Bull Racing.

However, such a move could face resistance. According to Italian journalist Fulvio Solms, Vasseur previously secured “total operational control and a freedom of action” from Elkann and vigna in early 2023, and is unlikely to willingly accept constraints on his authority.

“He obtained whatever he wanted. So, at this stage, the frenchman, who would remain with all his powers, is under discussion,” Solms reports.

When pressed on the uncertainty surrounding his role, Vasseur offered a concise response: “We have to negotiate, and that’s what we do.”

The situation at Ferrari is clearly complex, with a perplexing technical issue compounding internal power dynamics. As the team prepares for the next leg of the season, resolving both the on-track challenges and the leadership questions will be crucial for their future success.

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how might this new executive role impact the speed of strategic decisions during a race?

Strengthening Leadership: A New Layer for Ferrari’s F1 Strategy

Ferrari has announced the appointment of a new executive to provide direct oversight to Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur. While the specific role and individual haven’t been publicly detailed as of July 10, 2025, this move signals a significant shift in Ferrari’s operational structure within Formula 1. This restructuring aims to bolster strategic decision-making and improve overall team performance, addressing recent inconsistencies in race strategy and on-track execution. The appointment is widely seen as a response to pressure from fans and stakeholders following a mixed start to the 2025 F1 season.

The Rationale Behind the Decision: Addressing Performance Gaps

Ferrari’s decision stems from a perceived need for greater accountability and a more streamlined decision-making process.Several factors contributed to this change:

Strategic Errors: Recent races have highlighted instances of questionable pit stop timing and tire strategy choices, costing the team valuable championship points.

Operational inefficiencies: Reports suggest internal interaction breakdowns and slow reaction times to changing race conditions.

Pressure to Compete: With rivals like Red Bull Racing and McLaren consistently delivering strong performances, Ferrari faces mounting pressure to elevate its game.

Long-Term Vision: The appointment suggests Ferrari is focused on building a enduring winning formula, not just short-term gains. This includes refining the team’s internal processes and fostering a more collaborative environment.

Role and Responsibilities of the New Executive

The new executive’s role is expected to be multifaceted, encompassing several key areas:

Strategic Oversight: providing a higher-level review of race strategies before implementation, ensuring alignment with overall team objectives.

Performance analysis: Conducting in-depth analysis of on-track performance, identifying areas for betterment, and implementing corrective measures.

Team Coordination: Facilitating better communication and collaboration between different departments within the Ferrari F1 team, including engineering, strategy, and pit crew.

Reporting Structure: The executive will likely report directly to Ferrari’s CEO or a senior board member, ensuring a clear line of accountability.

Resource Allocation: Optimizing the allocation of resources to maximize the team’s competitive advantage.

Impact on Frédéric Vasseur’s Role as Team Principal

This appointment doesn’t necessarily diminish Vasseur’s authority. Instead, it’s designed to provide him with additional support and a layer of strategic guidance. Vasseur will likely retain full obligation for the day-to-day running of the team, including driver management, technical direction, and personnel decisions. The new executive will act as a sounding board and a strategic advisor, helping Vasseur navigate the complex challenges of Formula 1. This is a common practice in high-pressure environments like F1, where multiple perspectives can lead to better outcomes.

Ancient Precedents: Similar Restructuring in F1 Teams

Ferrari isn’t the first F1 team to implement a similar restructuring. several teams have adopted a similar approach in the past:

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team: In 2022, Mercedes restructured its technical institution, appointing James Allison as Chief Technical Officer with broader responsibilities.

mclaren Racing: McLaren has undergone several organizational changes in recent years, aiming to improve its performance and streamline its operations.

red Bull Racing: Red Bull has consistently refined its internal structure to maintain its competitive edge, emphasizing clear lines of responsibility and accountability.

These examples demonstrate that restructuring is a common response to performance challenges in Formula 1.

potential Candidates and Industry Speculation

while Ferrari has remained tight-lipped about the identity of the new executive, industry speculation points to several potential candidates with extensive experience in motorsport and strategic management. Names circulating include former senior figures from rival F1 teams and experienced motorsport consultants. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of Formula 1 regulations, a proven track record of success, and strong leadership skills.

Benefits of the New Structure: A Path to Consistency

The anticipated benefits of this new structure are significant:

Improved Race Strategy: More informed and data-driven race strategy decisions.

Enhanced Team Performance: Greater consistency in on-track performance.

Stronger Leadership: A more robust and accountable leadership structure.

Increased Competitiveness: A greater ability to compete with rival teams for championships.

* Better Resource Management: More efficient allocation of resources to maximize performance gains.

Practical Implications for Ferrari’s 2025 Season

The impact of this appointment will likely be felt throughout the remainder of the 2025 F1 season. Expect to see:

1. Refined Pit Stop Procedures: A renewed focus on optimizing pit stop speed and accuracy.
2. Data-Driven Strategy: Increased reliance on data analytics to inform race strategy decisions.
3. Improved Communication: Enhanced communication between the pit wall and the drivers.
4. Faster Reaction Times: Quicker response times to changing race conditions.
5. Increased Accountability: Clearer lines of accountability for strategic errors.

This restructuring represents a bold move by ferrari,signaling its commitment to achieving long-term success in Formula 1. The appointment of a new executive to oversee Vasseur is a strategic investment in the team’s future, aimed at