Vasseur calls for calm and blames the press

Fred Vasseur called for stability and criticised the press for fuelling speculation about his future. This week, a Ferrari statement confirmed and reiterated its confidence in the Frenchman’s work, as well as the support of his drivers. The move appears to have eased rumours of a departure at the end of the season, reported by several media outlets in Italy, where Christian Horner has been floated as a possible successor alongside other names.

Vasseur explained himself at a press conference in Sepang on Friday. Asked by Liam Parker, who hosts the exchanges organised by the FIA at circuits, he replied: « I don’t know, ask some of your journalist colleagues. » He then lamented the media frenzy: « When you see all the commotion and the rumours in the press all week, I think that as a team we need to work calmly, and that is absolutely not happening. »

He said a statement had been necessary to prevent the same questions from dominating the weekend. « The big problem we have today is stability, calm within the team, the focus we need, and not spending all day on these kinds of questions », he added.

Beside him, James Vowles, Williams’ director and Carlos Sainz’s team principal, came to his defence. Vowles praised Ferrari’s additions to its car, including a rear wing and an exhaust system, and said: « Personally, for me, there is no doubt that Fred is the right person for this job. » Vasseur smiled and thanked him. The comments come after more than a month without a Ferrari driver on the podium. Previously, Mattia Binotto left his role when results were better, a comparison that has been raised in Italy for months.