Frédéric Vasseur: "We need to ask ourselves the right questions if Ferrari hasn't won for years"

Tensions are rising in Canada. Frédéric Vasseur is under pressure because of the disappointing results of Ferrari and a hectic week in the media. Our Italian colleagues were particularly alarmed about the Frenchman's situation, announcing that his future would be decided in the next three races.

While questions about Frédéric Vasseur's future may seem legitimate after a below-expected start to the season, the sudden outcry from Italian newspapers La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Corriere della Sera has prompted the former Sauber boss to react. Vasseur targets the media outlets—particularly Motorsport.com—who claimed that Charles Leclerc could leave the Scuderia at the end of the season to join Mercedes.

"When we throw names out there, when we invent recruitments that never existed, when we say that Charles (Leclerc) will leave for Mercedes next year..." lists the Scuderia Team Principal on Canal+. "The only possible explanation is that these are either journalists who want to generate clicks and make a living from it, or they are trying to disrupt the team. Or maybe both."

And to add, firmly: "In any case, if they want to be supporters or at least close to the team, it's a failure. We need to ask ourselves the right questions if Ferrari hasn't won for years. We've changed the team principal, the drivers, and just about everything... except one thing."

Frédéric Vasseur's swan song?

Who or what is he trying to target? His management? The Italian media? Certain members of the team? The options are numerous. But Frédéric Vasseur is showing signs of frustration with the reality of his position. Leading the Scuderia also means managing a complex political dimension. And the grand maneuvers sought by the Draveil native seem to be clashing with a deeply conservative corporate culture.

"My position is fragile by definition, like that of a football coach.", lucidly recognizes Vasseur, whose contract expires at the end of the season. "We know that when you do this job, whether at Ferrari or elsewhere, you're exposed. I think there are, on average, three team principals who change per season. I didn't come to Ferrari thinking I'd stay there for life. I'm trying to develop the team, to make it progress, to build something."

Frédéric Vasseur must now convince Ferrari management that his project is the one needed to bring the Scuderia back to the top. But does he really need to? After two convincing first seasons at the helm of a moribund team, the founder of ART GP has also pulled off a masterstroke: playing a key role in the arrival of Lewis HamiltonThe Briton also acknowledged that his decision to join Ferrari was largely due to his special relationship with Vasseur.

A departure of Frédéric Vasseur at the end of the season - or before - could thus push the seven-time world champion to reconsider his plans.

ALSO READ > Leclerc and Sainz also come to Vasseur's aid at Ferrari