Vasseur poised for a new Ferrari agreement amidst Spa improvements.
An effort to enhance the on-track performance package
Amid ongoing speculation regarding his long-term position, Frederic Vasseur is reportedly expected to receive at least a one-year contract extension to continue as Ferrari team principal through 2026.
Italy’s Autosprint asserts that senior Ferrari management has decided to support Vasseur despite previous rumors suggesting the team might reorganize its structure, potentially adopting a system similar to that of McLaren or Sauber, with a CEO positioned above the team principal.
The pressure on Vasseur escalated following the high-profile recruitment of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari for 2025 and beyond. While Hamilton’s presence is commercially significant, it has yet to yield the desired outcomes on the track.
Former Haas team principal Gunther Steiner believes the elevated expectations surrounding the Hamilton-Ferrari collaboration have contributed to the current challenges. "Lewis Hamilton is the only driver in Formula 1 who transcends a team in terms of presence and charisma," Steiner commented on the Business of Sport podcast. "He excels even beyond the sport, and when you bring that into Ferrari, you create a conflict of stature - who is greater? Ferrari or Hamilton?
"It was an incredible narrative - a seven-time world champion joining Ferrari - but we may have set expectations too high. Now that results are lacking, there’s a sense of disappointment among people.
"If I were at Ferrari, I wouldn’t have hired him. That's merely my viewpoint. I don’t think Ferrari required him."
Nonetheless, Ferrari is steadfast in its efforts to enhance the on-track package. This weekend at Spa, the team plans to unveil not just one, but two significant updates: a long-anticipated new rear suspension design—marking the first major development under new technical chief Loic Serra—and a lighter rear wing, which Eurosport Italia has reported is also being considered for usage at Monza.
The rear suspension was tested during a filming day at Mugello last week with both drivers, including Charles Leclerc, and is thought to provide an improvement of approximately one-tenth of a second per lap.
Other articles
Ferrari plans to extend Vasseur's contract for a year.
The contract of Ferrari team leader Frederic Vasseur expires at the end of the season, and the parties have not yet made an official announcement about an extension. According to Italian magazine Autosprint, Ferrari's top management has already made a decision.
Volf: After the summer break, we will shift our focus to 2026.
Formula 1 teams have two Grands Prix left before the traditional summer break. On the eve of the Belgian Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said that after the break, the team will focus all its attention on preparing for the 2026 season.
Science: Max and I could make a strong team.
According to one version, Red Bull Racing did not invite Carlos Sainz because they were concerned about tense relations between him and Max Verstappen, but in a recent podcast episode, Carlos stated that he would have had a great relationship with his teammate.
Mekies might ensure that Verstappen remains with Red Bull, according to Schumacher.
Formula 1 | Ralf Schumacher thinks that Red Bull's surprising change in leadership has greatly enhanced the likelihood of Max Verstappen remaining with the team (…)
Stroll criticizes the 2026 F1 regulations as an Aston junior stands firm against them.
Formula 1 | Lance Stroll has entered the ranks of Formula 1 drivers who have voiced their dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations - yet the simulator drivers from his own team (…)
Allison acknowledges that Mercedes struggles with tyre management in 2025.
Formula 1 | James Allison has identified tyre management as the primary weakness contributing to Mercedes' inconsistent performance in 2025 - and the aspect in which the dominant McLaren has a (…)
Vasseur poised for a new Ferrari agreement amidst Spa improvements.
Formula 1 | In the midst of ongoing speculation regarding his long-term future, Frederic Vasseur is said to be in line for a contract extension of at least one year to (…)