Latest news with #Vasseur
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur launches scathing attack on Italian media reports
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has called on the media not to be too harsh on his team members. MONTREAL – Ferrari team chief Fred Vasseur on June 13 launched a scathing attack on Italian media amid speculation that threatens to undermine him and stability at the scarlet Scuderia. Speaking at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve where Ferrari have a been a focus of attention ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix after a disappointing start to the season, he was defiant and made clear his feelings on stories that claim his future is in doubt. 'First, I have to stay calm because (if not) I will have to talk to the stewards,' he said. 'It's some Italian media. It's not all Italian media. And it's not all about myself, I think, because this, I can manage. It's more about the people of the team. To throw their name like this, I think it's just disrespectful for them, for the family.' He added: 'It's really hurting the team. At one stage, it's a lack of focus. When you are fighting for the championship, every single detail makes a difference.' Vasseur agreed that as Ferrari team principal he knew he would be exposed to scrutiny. 'I knew when I joined, when I took the position, that you are exposed, this I think it's quite easy to manage, but for me it's more for the people of the team,' he reiterated. 'They are working very hard – to decide one day that this one will be replaced, that one will be replaced, this one is useless... 'Honestly, it's very, very harsh because these journalists – and I'm not putting everybody in the same basket – they have to consider that these people, they have family. 'They have wives, they have kids, and this is completely unrespectful. Now, I don't want to speak any more about this stupid (subject).' Vasseur's outburst followed a similar reaction from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on June 12, when the British driver gave his complete backing to Vasseur and Ferrari, and came only minutes after Red Bull team boss Christian Horner had quashed rumours he was moving to Ferrari. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Horner said: 'There are so many rumours, but I'm not going anywhere. 'I'm fully committed to Red Bull. We've got so much good stuff coming through the pipeline. We're on the verge of launching our own engine for 2026 which has been a massive project and undertaking. 'Of course, it's always flattering to be associated with other teams, particularly teams like Ferrari, but I'm not going anywhere, not even to Alpine!' Meanwhile in other news, Max Verstappen sees no need to change the way he goes racing despite the threat of a race ban hanging over him at the Canadian Grand Prix. Red Bull's four-time world champion is a penalty point away from triggering the automatic ban after a controversial collision with Mercedes rival George Russell at the previous Spanish Grand Prix. Speaking to reporters, Verstappen said the situation changed nothing for him. 'Why should I?' he said, when asked about racing differently. 'I mean, I cannot just back out of everything. I'm just going to race like I always do. I trust myself,' added the Dutch driver, who has recognised what he did in Spain was wrong and should not have happened. 'Everyone makes mistakes in life. Everyone learns from them and we just move on from it,' he added. Asked whether he deserved to be on the brink of exclusion, a situation he recognised as 'not ideal', Verstappen shrugged. 'What is fair? Is it fair that I'm on 11 (penalty) points? I don't know. But at the same time, life is not fair. If you look at it like that, I don't worry about it,' he said. 'I just come here to race, and I will always race hard, race how I think I should race and then we go on to the next race.' AFP, REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
News18
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- News18
'They Have To Consider...': Ferrari Boss Fred Vasseur Hits Out At Italian Media Reports
Last Updated: Vasseur rebuked reports in Italian media following speculation over the 57-year-old's future with the iconic Prancing Horse amid challenging results. Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur lambasted reports in Italian media following speculation over the 57-year-old's future with the iconic Prancing Horse amid testing results. Star driver Lewis Hamilton backed the Frenchman amid rumours surrounding his tenure at the helm of the famous Italian racing outfit. 'First, I have to stay calm because I will have to talk to the stewards. It's some Italian media. It's not all Italian media. And it's not about myself, I think, because this, I can manage," Vasseur said on the sidelines of the Canadian Grand Prix. 'It's more about the people of the team. To throw their name like this, I think it's just disrespectful for them, for the family," he derided. 'It's really hurting the team. At one stage, it's a lack of focus. When you are fighting for the championship, every single detail makes a difference," the Frenchman said. Vasseur added that the was aware of the risks and esponsibilities that accompany the job of the principal of the fabled Scuderia Ferrari. 'I knew when I joined, when I took the position, that you are exposed, this I think it's quite easy to manage, but for me it's more for the people of the team," he explained. 'They are working very hard — to decide one day that this one will be replaced, this one will be replaced, this one is useless," he elucidated. 'Honestly, it's very, very harsh because these journalists — and I'm not putting everybody in the same basket — they have to consider that these people, they have family," he pointed out. 'They have wives, they have kids, and this is completely unrespectful. Now, I don't want to speak any more about this stupid subject," he signed off. There were talks linking Red Bull boss Chistian Horner to the job of Ferrari team Principal, but Horner shut down talks of a move away from RB. 'There are so many rumours, but I'm not going anywhere. I'm fully committed to Red Bull. We've got so much good stuff coming through the pipeline. We're on the verge of launching our own engine for 2026 which has been a massive project and undertaking," the Brit said. 'Of course, it's always flattering to be associated with other teams, particularly teams like Ferrari, but I'm not going anywhere, not even to Alpine," Horner added. Location : Canada First Published: June 14, 2025, 07:55 IST
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Ferrari Boss Vasseur Slams Media Amid Exit Rumors
FERRARI TEAM chief Fred Vasseur on Friday launched a scathing attack on Italian media amid speculation that threatens to undermine him and stability at the scarlet Scuderia. Speaking between practices and as Ferrari confirmed that Charles Leclerc would be unable to take part in the second session after crashing in the first free practice, Vasseur made clear his feelings on stories that claim his future is in doubt. Speaking at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve where Ferrari have a been a focus of attention ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix after a disappointing start to the season, Vasseur was defiant. 'First, I have to stay calm because I will have to talk to the stewards,' he said. 'It's some Italian media. It's not all Italian media. And It's not about myself, I think, because this, I can manage. 'It's more about the people of the team. To throw their name like this, I think it's just disrespectful for them, for the family.' He added: 'It's really hurting the team. At one stage, it's a lack of focus. When you are fighting for the championship, every single detail makes a difference.' Vasseur agreed that as Ferrari team principal he knew he would be exposed to scrutiny. 'I knew when I joined, when I took the position, that you are exposed, this I think it's quite easy to manage, but for me it's more for the people of the team. 'They are working very hard -- to decide one day that this one will be replaced, this one will be replaced, this one is useless. 'Honestly, it's very, very harsh because these journalists -- and I'm not putting everybody in the same basket -- they have to consider that these people, they have family. 'They have wives, they have kids, and this is completely unrespectful. Now, I don't want to speak any more about this stupid (subject).' Vasseur's outburst followed a similar reaction from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on Thursday, when the British driver gave his complete backing to Vasseur and Ferrari, and came only minutes after Red Bull team boss Christian Horner had quashed rumours he was moving to Ferrari. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Horner said: 'There are so many rumours, but I'm not going anywhere. I'm fully committed to Red Bull. We've got so much good stuff coming through the pipeline. We're on the verge of launching our own engine for 2026 which has been a massive project and undertaking. 'Of course, it's always flattering to be associated with other teams, particularly teams like Ferrari, but I'm not going anywhere, not even to Alpine!'
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Vasseur launches scathing attack on Italian media reports
FERRARI TEAM chief Fred Vasseur on Friday launched a scathing attack on Italian media amid speculation that threatens to undermine him and stability at the scarlet Scuderia. Speaking between practices and as Ferrari confirmed that Charles Leclerc would be unable to take part in the second session after crashing in the first free practice, Vasseur made clear his feelings on stories that claim his future is in doubt. Speaking at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve where Ferrari have a been a focus of attention ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix after a disappointing start to the season, Vasseur was defiant. 'First, I have to stay calm because I will have to talk to the stewards,' he said. 'It's some Italian media. It's not all Italian media. And It's not about myself, I think, because this, I can manage. 'It's more about the people of the team. To throw their name like this, I think it's just disrespectful for them, for the family.' He added: 'It's really hurting the team. At one stage, it's a lack of focus. When you are fighting for the championship, every single detail makes a difference.' Vasseur agreed that as Ferrari team principal he knew he would be exposed to scrutiny. 'I knew when I joined, when I took the position, that you are exposed, this I think it's quite easy to manage, but for me it's more for the people of the team. 'They are working very hard -- to decide one day that this one will be replaced, this one will be replaced, this one is useless. 'Honestly, it's very, very harsh because these journalists -- and I'm not putting everybody in the same basket -- they have to consider that these people, they have family. 'They have wives, they have kids, and this is completely unrespectful. Now, I don't want to speak any more about this stupid (subject).' Vasseur's outburst followed a similar reaction from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on Thursday, when the British driver gave his complete backing to Vasseur and Ferrari, and came only minutes after Red Bull team boss Christian Horner had quashed rumours he was moving to Ferrari. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Horner said: 'There are so many rumours, but I'm not going anywhere. I'm fully committed to Red Bull. We've got so much good stuff coming through the pipeline. We're on the verge of launching our own engine for 2026 which has been a massive project and undertaking. 'Of course, it's always flattering to be associated with other teams, particularly teams like Ferrari, but I'm not going anywhere, not even to Alpine!'
Winnipeg Free Press
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ferrari boss hits back at Italian media spreading rumours: ‘Too much is too much'
MONTREAL – Fred Vasseur made a brief cameo in the 'F1' blockbuster movie coming to theatres this month. The Ferrari team principal wonders if the big-screen audition might help him land a second career in acting, since so many Italian newspapers are calling for his ousting. 'I'm looking for a new job,' he said, filling a news conference room with laughter Friday at the Canadian Grand Prix. Multiple reports suggest Vasseur's future is under threat at Ferrari as top-tier drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc fall short of race wins so far this season. Some outlets have also written that Leclerc might take his talents to another garage. And speculation that the 40-year-old Hamilton might retire is routine — even though he's only just joined Ferrari on a multi-year contract. 'I have to stay calm, because I will have to finish at the stewards,' Vasseur said, hoping not to get fined. 'It's some Italian media, it's not all Italian media. 'I don't understand the target. Perhaps it's to give (crap) to the team, but in this case, I don't see the point. Perhaps it's for them the only way to exist. This is probably more the reason, but it's really hurting the team.' Vasseur joined Ferrari in 2023 and came 17 points shy of securing its first constructors' championship since 2008 last year. The prestigious Italian outfit — with a record 16 titles — is on a quest to return to its past dominance and had expectations of competing for a championship this season. Ferrari, however, trails McLaren by 197 points despite ranking second in the constructors' standings heading into Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix — the 10th stop of the 24-race circuit. For reference, a driver earns 25 points for one win. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, joined Ferrari in a highly anticipated move last winter but has yet to reach the podium in red. He and Leclerc — who has reached three podiums — rank sixth and fifth, respectively, in the drivers' championship. Despite his relatively slow start with Ferrari, Hamilton came to the defence of his boss Thursday. 'I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top,' he said. 'To me, it's all nonsense what people have written.' 'And also, to everyone writing stories of me considering not racing — I literally only just started here with Ferrari. I'm here for several years, and I'm here for the long haul,' he later added. 'There's zero doubts. Please stop making stuff up.' As for the Leclerc rumours, the Monégasque driver was shocked to hear them. Leclerc is racing in his seventh season with Ferrari and under a long-term contract. 'I have no idea where it's coming from,' Leclerc said. 'I've never said anything of this in the last few races. If anything, I keep saying how much I love the team and how much I want to bring back Ferrari to the top.' Added Vasseur: 'Each single interview from the beginning of the season, he is telling that he wants to stay with Ferrari, he wants to win with Ferrari, his future is with Ferrari. But every single Monday we have an article telling that, 'Ah, Charles will go next year.'' Even former Ferrari pilot Carlos Sainz Jr., who Hamilton replaced as Leclerc's teammate, chimed in. 'The moment that the results don't click in Ferrari, there's always finger-pointing by the media, and all this chaos happening,' said Sainz, who now races for Williams. Leclerc finished third last time out at the Spanish Grand Prix, while Hamilton placed sixth. Hamilton said both drivers had issues 'hindering us massively' midway through the race, calling it 'the worst-feeling car I'd ever had.' Ferrari has apparently solved the issue heading into the Canadian Grand Prix, although Friday's first free practice was far from ideal. Leclerc crashed his front left wheel into the wall at Turn 4 less than 10 minutes into the session. He needed a new chassis and missed the second free practice. 'None of us is satisfied with how it's going at the moment, that's clear. We came into the season thinking that we had chances to challenge McLaren and Red Bull in order to win the championship,' Leclerc said Thursday. 'If we compare ourselves to our other competitors, apart from McLaren, it's not like we are having a shocking season. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'We just need to find ourselves as well, just like Mercedes, just like Red Bull, needs to find the outstanding thing that McLaren have found.' Mercedes' George Russell posted the fastest lap in the second free practice at one minute 12.123 seconds, followed by McLaren's Lando Norris (1:12.151) and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli (1:12.411). Hamilton drove around Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 1:12.653 — the eighth fastest time — on a sunny, 19 C day in Montreal. Another session takes place Saturday afternoon before qualifying. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.
