Toto Wolff in 'truly stupid' warning as Ferrari make eye-catching contract decision
Ferrari would have been "truly stupid" to consider replacing Frederic Vasseur as team principal. That is the view of rival team boss Toto Wolff who made it clear he is delighted to see the Frenchman continue in the role after news of his new contract.
Vasseur had been the subject of intense speculation over his future in the Italian media. It was reported by some newspapers in the European country that Ferrari were lining up potential replacements with his contract expiring at the end of this year.
But the team has now put an end to that talk by handing the Frenchman a multi-year contract extension. He is seen as an important part of the project to get back to the very front of the Formula 1 grid with executive chairman John Elkann adamant that only "a collective effort" will put them back on top.
Vasseur is a popular figure in the F1 paddock and well-respected by his peers. He has an especially strong relationship with Mercedes chief Wolff and was the best man at the Austrian's wedding to F1 Academy boss Susie Wolff.
Reacting to news of the new contract for his friend at Ferrari, Wolff made clear his belief that any other course of action would have been a big mistake by the Italian team, which is in the midst of a long F1 title drought stretching back to the 2008 season.
He said: "Any other choice would have been truly stupid. I have known Fred since we were in our early 20s and I know his value as a motorsports man. I know his entrepreneurial vision and his strength. Having someone like him on your team is a blessing, and you have to remember how much time it takes, in F1, to create a successful project."
News of Vasseur's new deal was also happily received by both Ferrari drivers. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had both made it clear during the height of those rumours doubting the boss' long-term future that they did not want to see him replaced.
And, responding to confirmation of the Frenchman's new contract, Hamilton said: "I am always positive about Fred, and I have told everyone that. I told you before it was the right choice.
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Fred signed me here. He is completely different to Toto but in terms of characters they are both massive racers. The real positive when I worked with Toto was how he was able to utilise individuals and figure out how people work best and how to get the most out of someone.
"For me, he created me with freedom to be able to express myself the way I wanted to and that enabled me to be the best version of myself. Fred is similar in that respect. I am still trying to learn the way he works. But I have absolute confidence in Fred, as I have always said."
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