Just In: Horner Axe Sparks Another Team Principal Shake‑Up amid Ferrari’s Vasseur Fallou…read more
The recent abrupt exit of Red Bull’s long-standing team principal Christian Horner has triggered yet another top‑level reshuffle in Formula 1 leadership—and intensified speculation about internal discord at Ferrari over Fred Vasseur’s future.
Red Bull’s Leadership Transition
Horner’s departure marked the end of an era—he was the sole principal at Red Bull across more than 400 Grands Prix. His successor, Laurent Mekies, arrives from Ferrari and Racing Bulls inheritance of a turbulent team structure facing destabilization and new technical regulations. Meanwhile the power within the team continues to skew increasingly toward Red Bull’s senior management, particularly managing director Oliver Mintzlaff.
Ferrari Caught in the Crossfire
At Ferrari, Vasseur has come under mounting pressure from disappointing results—after signing Lewis Hamilton for 2025, the team lies nearly 200 points behind McLaren in the constructors’ standings Rumors of his dismissal have been floated, with endurance chief Antonello Coletta and even Horner himself mentioned as potential replacements—though the latter reportedly declined such overtures Ferrari have officially denied these claims, maintaining there is no change in leadership plans.
Staff and Drivers Weigh In
Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have come out in defense of Vasseur. Hamilton described firing him as “nonsense,” affirming that Vasseur was the key reason he joined Ferrari and that he intends to stay for the long haul. Leclerc echoed similar sentiments, expressing surprise at the speculation and reaffirming his belief in the existing leadership .
Expert Commentary: Stay the Course
Veteran commentator Martin Brundle warned that replacing Vasseur now would be “nuts,” arguing that internal disruption would be counterproductive given that the car—not the leadership—is currently underperforming. Former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali also urged stability, advising that Vasseur be “allowed to work in peace” to restore Ferrari to championship form.
Tensions Beneath the Surface
Reports suggest that friction between Vasseur and Ferrari’s CEO Benedetto Vigna may be contributing to the unrest, with disagreements over recruitment strategies and decision-making structures. Some insiders highlight Mekies’ move to Red Bull as indicative of internal power struggles at Maranello, especially given that he was previously a respected Ferrari racing director.
What Next?
Red Bull now enters a new leadership era under Mekies, tasked with stabilizing morale and maintaining competitiveness.
Ferrari, meanwhile, must decide whether to reinforce its strategic course under Vasseur or succumb to escalating media and internal pressures.
The next few race weekends could prove pivotal—not only for on-track performance, but for the future of key leadership roles on both sides.
