Why ex-Ferrari engineer would consider emotional return under ‘very……read more
Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley has expressed high regard for Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, stating that he would consider returning to Formula 1 under his leadership. Smedley, who previously worked as a race engineer for Felipe Massa at Ferrari and later as head of vehicle performance at Williams, left the team side of Formula 1 in 2019. After his departure from Williams, he transitioned into data roles with Formula 1 itself and co-founded the F.A.T Karting League, aiming to make grassroots motorsport more accessible. Despite moving away from the track, Smedley still receives offers from teams in the paddock, but he explained that he is selective about the people he would work for in the future.
In a recent appearance on the Red Flags podcast, Smedley reflected on his career and shared his thoughts on Vasseur’s leadership at Ferrari. When asked about potentially returning to Formula 1, he revealed that he still gets offers from teams but uses a personal criterion to decide whether he would consider a return: he asks himself, “Would I go and work for them?” According to Smedley, Vasseur is one of the few team principals in Formula 1 he would willingly work with.
Smedley explained that his admiration for Vasseur stems from both his personal interactions with him and his leadership style. He described Vasseur as highly intelligent and noted that he is very effective in handling the intense pressures of Formula 1. Smedley emphasized that Vasseur possesses a rare combination of intelligence and approachability that makes him an ideal team principal in a high-pressure environment. He also highlighted how Vasseur’s ability to keep the team atmosphere positive by not adding unnecessary pressure distinguishes him from other leaders.
Smedley pointed out that Formula 1 is an environment where the pressure is already immense, and successful people in the sport are often their own harshest critics. As such, he believes that a team principal like Vasseur, who does not exacerbate that pressure, is invaluable. In his view, Vasseur’s ability to look after his team members, protect them from external criticism, and maintain a calm and supportive environment makes him an exceptional leader in Formula 1. Smedley remarked that not all team principals possess the insight or qualities needed to create a winning team, but Vasseur clearly does.
This endorsement from Smedley is notable, especially given his extensive experience in the sport. Having worked closely with top-tier drivers and engineers, he has a deep understanding of the pressures faced by teams in the sport and the qualities required for effective leadership. Smedley’s praise of Vasseur highlights the latter’s ability to foster a positive working environment in a sport often characterized by intense pressure and high expectations.
In conclusion, while Smedley has moved away from the traditional F1 team side of the sport to pursue other ventures, his admiration for Fred Vasseur’s leadership underscores the Ferrari team principal’s exceptional qualities as a manager. Smedley’s willingness to work with Vasseur again in the future speaks volumes about the level of trust and respect he has for him, reinforcing Vasseur’s reputation as a top-tier leader in Formula 1.
