Ferrari Responds to Christian Horner Links with Statement Backing Fred Vasseur
Ferrari has released a carefully worded statement following growing speculation that Christian Horner could replace Fred Vasseur as team principal. The rumors emerged shortly after Horner reportedly finalized his departure from Red Bull, where he spent nearly two decades leading the team to multiple world championships.
Fred Vasseur’s position at Ferrari has faced ongoing scrutiny since he took charge, with frequent media reports questioning whether he is the right man to return the Scuderia to its former dominance. Despite leading Ferrari to a strong 2024 campaign—where they came close to snatching the Constructors’ Championship from McLaren—signs of decline in 2025 have reignited doubts about his leadership.
Some within the F1 world have suggested that Ferrari might look to Horner, a proven winner despite his recent controversies, as a way to restore the team’s competitive edge. However, Ferrari chairman John Elkann has stepped in to express his support for Vasseur, while notably avoiding a direct denial of any contact with Horner.
Speaking at a National Italian American Foundation event in Washington DC, Elkann stated:
> “I want to express our full confidence in our team principal, Fred Vasseur, and in the work he is carrying out together with all our colleagues at Scuderia Ferrari – the mechanics, engineers, and drivers competing this weekend in Austin. I also want to reaffirm the importance of teamwork by everyone to maintain focus on the only goal that matters: always giving our very best on the track.”
Elkann’s comments appear to be a show of unity amid growing external pressure, but the timing of his remarks has only added to speculation that Ferrari could still be considering leadership changes behind the scenes.
For now, Vasseur retains the backing of Ferrari’s top management—but with performance concerns mounting in 2025, the talk of Horner’s potential arrival in Maranello is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
