It was at Monza in September 2023, home to Formula One’s Italian Grand Prix, that the significance of Ferrari truly struck Fred Vasseur, the recently installed team principal of the scuderia. All weekend long he’d been stopped for photos and autographs, far more than normal. From his perch on the Ferrari pit wall, he’d seen the fan clubs in the grandstands keeping close watch of the red cars. Post-race, he saw thousands of fans flooding the main straight to congregate under the podium. They unfurled their prancing horse emblazoned flags, cheering and chanting in an explosion of noise and color, all in honor of Carlos Sainz’s third-place finish.
In Italy, Ferrari isn’t just a Formula One team. It’s a source of national pride. For the loyal tifosi fandom, Monza is a site of pilgrimage. Vasseur said, “You realize in Monza the expectation, the atmosphere. You say, ‘OK guys, now we need to give back something.’”
Vasseur took over a Ferrari team coming off a mixed 2022. Thanks to a strong start, the team won four races and Charles Leclerc finished as runner-up to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship. But its failure to sustain its early year challenge to Red Bull, plus some noteworthy strategy miscues and pit stop slip-ups, made for a season of frustration. Second wasn’t enough to save leader Mattia Binotto’s job, prompting Ferrari’s senior management to turn to Vasseur.
Vasseur knew what he was signing up for when he took the job as team principal of Ferrari in January 2023. His task is to end a 15-year championship drought and return Ferrari to its glory days as an F1 force. His project is highlighted by the team’s blockbuster signing of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for 2025 — a move that goes far beyond just one name on the marquee.
Vasseur emphasized the need for continuous improvement in every aspect of the team. He focused on changing the team’s mentality and culture to empower people to take risks and be more aggressive in their approach. This cultural shift has allowed Ferrari to make significant strides in areas such as pit stops and strategy, resulting in a more competitive team overall.
In addition to cultural changes, Vasseur has also focused on recruiting new talent to strengthen the team. He highlighted the importance of bringing in new employees who are aligned with Ferrari’s direction and vision for success. The team has made significant hires, including individuals from top teams like Mercedes, to bolster its capabilities.
The signing of Lewis Hamilton was a significant moment for Ferrari and F1 as a whole. Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari signaled a new era for the team and was a statement of intent to compete at the highest level. His arrival is not just about his on-track capabilities but also about the mindset, commitment, and message it sends to the entire team and sponsors.
Despite recent setbacks in performance after Charles Leclerc’s win at Monaco, Vasseur remains focused on building a strong foundation for Ferrari’s future success. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and shared success, highlighting the contributions of all employees in driving the team forward. Vasseur’s leadership and strategic approach have garnered praise from rivals and insiders in the F1 community.
As Ferrari looks to return to its former glory and compete for championships, Vasseur’s vision and leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future. With a strong driver lineup, including the likes of Leclerc and Hamilton, Ferrari is poised for success in the upcoming seasons. The cultural changes and strategic decisions made under Vasseur’s guidance are laying the groundwork for a competitive and successful Ferrari team.