Vasseur (Ferrari): “It would be a mistake to point the finger at anyone”

The discussions surrounding tensions at Ferrari show no sign of abating in Sepang ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Between the races in Baku and Sepang, Ferrari’s senior management publicly backed team principal Fred Vasseur with a statement – in response to rumours that Vasseur was allegedly due to be sacked. The speculation had also been fuelled by an interview with former Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, who had put himself forward as a candidate for the post.

Why was this statement from Ferrari’s top brass necessary? Vasseur: “When you look at the commotion and all the rumours in the press throughout the week, I think that we as a team need to be able to work in peace, and that was absolutely not the case. It was essential to take action; otherwise, this weekend would have been exactly the same. But to be honest, the problem is stability, calm within the team and the focus we need so that we aren’t faced with such questions all day long.” Nevertheless, it was a talking point in Sepang.

There was also strong support for Vasseur at the circuit. Both Ferrari drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, emphatically backed their team principal. Hamilton, in particular, made it clear, suggesting that the problem might lie at a higher level – that is, in the group’s boardroom – rather than with team principal Vasseur.

Vasseur commented: “It would be a mistake to point the finger at anyone or anything. In the good times, we win as a team. In the bad times, we suffer as a team. I don’t want to talk about any one person or anything like that. To be honest, I think it would be a big mistake if we didn’t all pull together.”

The French engineer said: “We had a good start to the season. Of course, that’s not enough. We want to achieve more, secure more wins. We want to win the World Championship. But ultimately, we’ve had a positive start. We’ve struggled in the last few races, but we hope to come back soon with further developments and regain our pace.”

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What does Vasseur think about the intensity of the criticism directed at him? Vasseur: “When you take on this role, you know the positives and the negatives of the job. I expected something like this. What’s sometimes a bit unfair is when someone is made a scapegoat. And I’m also here to defend my team, my lads. When we win, we win as a team. But when we face difficulties, I’m there to defend them, all of them. And I think that’s the right attitude for everyone: for them to defend the team principal, and for me to defend them when we’re struggling. I knew what I was getting myself into, and I’m not at all surprised. But sometimes the attacks get a bit personal. That’s not good.”