Charles Leclerc reveals the ability to separate his emotions from the job is the quality that sets Fred Vasseur apart from the rest of the team at Ferrari, and is what makes him indispensable as the big boss signs a new contract extension ahead of the 2026 regulations change.
The Frenchman joined Maranello in 2023 following a successful run at Sauber, and helped deliver the Italians victory at the Singapore Grand Prix through Carlos Sainz before they came close to winning the constructors’ championship a year later.
However, he is now navigating the first real setback since his switch as the outfit struggles to get on top of their SF-25 car and ambitions of a double world title haul, spearheaded by the signing of Lewis Hamilton, have faded and all-but-been vanquished.
This ultimately led to rumours that the 57-year-old could be axed from his post, and although he enjoyed the support of his drivers, they only intensified amid the news that Christian Horner was sacked by Red Bull.
Yet the announcement on Thursday, July 31 ahead of the 2025 Hungarian GP puts them to bed, and Leclerc reveals exactly which quality makes Vasseur so vital and indispensable to Ferrari as they chase a first championship since 2008.
“I’m really happy, it’s not a surprise,” Leclerc told media at the Hungaroring. “There were rumours around the team, but that we have the official news out is really important.
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“Fred has an incredible vision and I think what is difficult with Ferrari is the emotion is part of the daily job.
“Italians are extremely passionate about Ferrari, but Fred is able to leave his emotions at the door.
“He is able to extract the maximum from the people at the factory and, when you put it all together, it’s extremely important.”
Vasseur extends with Ferrari: What does it mean for Christian Horner?
Horner, let go from his role as team principal and CEO of Max Verstappen’s team at the star t of July, is now on the market as a major free agent and a desirable target for anyone needing a new face at the helm.
With eight drivers’ championships and six constructors’ titles through his fun from 2005-2024, he knows that it takes to win but also to build a team up, guiding Red Bull through rocky runs from 2005-2008 and 2014-2020.
And with Vasseur’s previous deal due to expire at the end of 2025, it was thought that he could make the move from Milton Keynes to northern Italy, but that chapter has now officially closed.
Other reports link him to a role with Alpine, where he could unite with Flavio Briatore in their bid to return to a level of competitiveness they last enjoyed in 2013, back then as the Lotus brand.
There could also be the option to link up with new projects such as Cadillac or any other prospective entries in the coming years, although Cadillac have currently selected Graeme Lowdon as their boss. He previously worked with Marussia.
