Based on Jean Alesi, Frederic Vasseur is managing a Ferrari in System 1 the place incompetence reigns. This isn’t the opinion of an informal fan, however the view of one of many Prancing Horse’s icons relating to the staff’s present adverse part. On the event of his birthday and the thirtieth anniversary of his first and solely victory, proper in Montreal, the place the tenth spherical of the 2025 System 1 championship takes place, the French driver spoke out plainly, expressing his doubts with out sugarcoating.
The previous Ferrari driver skilled firsthand the years of technical inferiority and the gradual return to competitiveness that started with Jean Todt’s arrival. Many extra seasons handed earlier than the Maranello staff lastly received the world title with Michael Schumacher. Again in Jean Todt’s period, Ferrari lagged considerably behind technologically in comparison with Williams, McLaren, and the formidable Benetton staff.
On the time, the technological infrastructure was less than the usual required to compete on the highest stage. Though at the moment the historic staff has nothing to envy from its rivals, it’s clear that entry to one of the best know-how is not any assure of success. In any case, Pink Bull has constructed two dominant eras in System 1 utilizing a post-war wind tunnel. Luckily, the standard and creativity of the engineers nonetheless make the distinction.
In a current interview, Jean Alesi shared his perspective on the present points on the Maranello staff which, in accordance with him, don’t have anything to do with the drivers. Specifically, Jean Alesi praised Charles Leclerc, whom he considers the strongest driver on the grid and in whom he sees a mirrored image of his personal temperament and “unhealthy luck.” The driving force of Sicilian descent then supplied an fascinating perception.
Based on Jean Alesi, Fred Vasseur has far much less energy than Jean Todt did. He made this level whereas providing his private view on Ferrari’s present difficulties. Based on the previous Ferrari driver, the staff’s issues usually are not the results of the staff principal’s selections however stem from sure people throughout the staff who wish to be in cost regardless of missing the competence to take action.
It’s a superbly respectable opinion, however one which raises questions. Frederic Vasseur has reorganized the staff extensively and has repeatedly said that he recruited a number of engineers from rival groups. The whole absence of the Italian firm’s prime administration—even in strategic conferences just like the one broadcast through the Bahrain Grand Prix—suggests fairly the other.
If the Ferrari staff principal is attending conferences the place the way forward for F1 is set instead of the president and CEO, then there are solely two potential situations: both Fred Vasseur is a compliant lightning rod, or he has been granted broad powers. To date, the top of the Ferrari Racing Division has proven no indicators of friction with prime administration. Quite the opposite, he stays constantly unflappable, regardless of the season more and more taking the form of a dramatic failure.
What Jean Alesi mentioned within the “household” newspaper of the Exor group is open to numerous interpretations. These are undoubtedly relatively awkward and maybe even baseless statements—ones that might simply backfire. It may very well be a subliminal alarm sign aimed on the presidency, voiced by somebody who is aware of the age-old dynamics of the Ferrari Racing Division very properly.
Or maybe it’s a gesture of solidarity with Fred Vasseur, whose place is starting to look shaky. What stays to be seen is the ultimate judgment on the finish of the season for the Frenchman who, for now, regardless of a massively disappointing yr, nonetheless seems to place confidence in the 2026 marketing campaign. And possibly, that can be his final actual alternative—the place one other failure may price him the job.
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