Fred Vasseur has come under renewed scrutiny at Ferrari after an interview given by Christian Horner to The Times during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend reignited speculation over the team principal's future. However, there has been no official decision confirming that Ferrari intends to replace Vasseur.
Ferrari has improved compared with its disappointing 2025 campaign, but the SF-26 continues to suffer from a power unit deficit that neither of the two permitted upgrades this season has managed to resolve. The Ferrari-powered car remains behind Mercedes on the straights and also trails the Red Bull-Ford power unit.
The situation has become more significant as Ferrari's cornering advantage from before the summer break has gradually diminished. McLaren has also been closing the gap in recent rounds, adding pressure to a campaign that had initially appeared to offer Ferrari an opportunity to make a significant step forward.
Vasseur has reportedly faced increasing pressure, particularly from the Italian media closely following Ferrari's performance throughout the season. Against that backdrop, the possibility of an amicable separation between Ferrari and Vasseur has gained traction. Such a scenario had previously appeared unlikely because of the lack of an obvious successor.
One internal option reportedly discussed is Antonello Coletta, who currently oversees Ferrari's World Endurance Championship programme. According to reports cited in the source material, Ferrari chairman John Elkann has again approached Coletta about the role currently held by Vasseur, although previous attempts reportedly received a negative response. Another internal possibility is deputy team principal Jérôme d'Ambrosio.
Promoting d'Ambrosio could provide a smoother leadership transition because he is part of the group of figures Vasseur brought to Maranello. Such a move could potentially have Vasseur's own backing if he decided to end his contract early following its previous renewal. However, the scenario has been presented as a possible contingency rather than a confirmed Ferrari decision.
Horner is the most prominent external name linked to the speculation, but his involvement remains unconfirmed. His interview with The Times has added fresh intrigue around Ferrari's leadership situation, yet there is no confirmation of formal talks between Horner and the Scuderia.
Speculation intensified after Horner posted a photograph from his hotel in Naples while supporting the British effort in the Louis Vuitton Cup. The image, showing Castel dell'Ovo, prompted social media speculation about possible contact with Elkann. However, no such talks have been confirmed, and Horner's presence in Naples does not establish that negotiations with Ferrari took place.
For now, Ferrari's situation is best understood as an evaluation of what Vasseur has achieved during his fourth season as team principal rather than confirmation of a leadership change. The SF-26's power unit deficit and its reduced advantage through the corners provide the performance context behind the pressure, while Horner's potential move to Ferrari remains speculation without official confirmation.
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