Toto Wolff has leapt to the defence of Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur, urging fans and Italian media to allow the Frenchman the time he needs to reshape the team and lead them back to glory.
As Vasseur navigates his third season in charge at Ferrari, criticism has mounted from sections of the Tifosi and press who are disappointed the Scuderia has yet to mount a consistent challenge for wins in 2025. While Monaco brought a rare shot at victory, the team is still locked in a battle for second place in the constructors’ standings and has not been a regular threat to the dominant McLaren squad.
The scrutiny on Vasseur reached new heights earlier this month when multiple Italian newspapers ran stories suggesting his position was under review by Ferrari leadership. The reports were swiftly denied by the team, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton both voicing public support for their team principal.
Wolff Calls for Perspective
Speaking to media at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff called on Ferrari’s loyal supporters to remember that rebuilding a legendary racing operation is a long-term process, not something solved in a single season.
“In Formula 1 you can’t buy time, and you need to give senior leadership the time to get on top of things,” Wolff explained. He drew a comparison to Jean Todt’s early days at Ferrari, noting that Todt joined the team in 1993 but did not deliver a world championship until 2000.
“That’s how it goes. It comes in cycles,” Wolff added, pointing out that even Mercedes are in their third season without a title fight.
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Wolff argued that knee-jerk reactions and constant changes at the top rarely deliver results, emphasising the importance of stability and patience. “Leave him the space. Let him do. Allow him to structure an organisation that isn’t going to grip from day one. Loic [Serra] is there six months or seven months. They need to just let them do.”
Why Wolff Believes Vasseur Is the Right Man for Ferrari
Wolff did not hide his admiration for Vasseur, calling him “one of the best racing managers that I know.” He even admitted, “If I wasn’t here, I would take Fred.”
According to Wolff, Vasseur is straightforward, avoids unnecessary politics, and has a clear vision for building success. He also highlighted the unique pressures of leading Ferrari, likening it to managing Italy’s national football team.
“He’s perfectly aware that in Italy, he’s like managing the football national team and you’re going to have the scrutiny from the media,” Wolff said, suggesting Vasseur needs to grow a thick skin to handle the intensity.
“If he wins, he is 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. But he should be given the confidence to run this team. They won’t get anybody better.”
As Vasseur continues his project at Ferrari, the team remains in transition, hoping that recent hires and ongoing restructuring will pay off as the season continues. For now, Toto Wolff’s words serve as a reminder that true Formula 1 success is rarely instant—and that sometimes, the best move is to let a leader see their vision through.
