Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has emphasized that Ferrari should give their team boss, Fred Vasseur, more time, warning that without patience, the team won’t improve. Despite Ferrari finishing second in last year’s Constructors’ Championship and signing Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 F1 season, their performance has been disappointing, with both the team struggling for wins and Hamilton finding it tough to adapt to the SF-25 car. Vasseur has been under intense scrutiny from Italian fans and the media, sparking rumors about a possible leadership change, which Vasseur has denied. Both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc have strongly supported Vasseur.
Wolff called for patience, reminding that long-term success requires time. He cited Ferrari legend Jean Todt, who joined the Scuderia in 1993 and led them to their first championship in 2000 after eight years. Wolff explained that even Mercedes is facing challenges after a few tough seasons but still trusts their leadership. He urged Ferrari to allow Vasseur the space to build the team properly, noting Vasseur has only been in the role for six or seven months.
Praising Vasseur, Wolff said he would hire him without hesitation to lead Mercedes if the opportunity arose, calling him one of the best racing managers he knows. He highlighted Vasseur’s direct style and understanding of the intense media pressure he faces in Italy, likening it to managing the national football team, where public opinion swings dramatically based on results. Wolff stressed that Vasseur deserves the confidence to lead Ferrari and that rushing a change would not help.
Fan Take: This endorsement from Wolff is crucial, as it signals mutual respect among top F1 leaders and highlights the importance of stability in a sport that demands patience and precision. Ferrari fans should take heart—forging a championship-winning team is a marathon, not a sprint, and this support might be exactly what Ferrari needs to regain their competitive edge.