Ferrari president wants to give Fred Vasseur extended tenure as Christian Horner’s lead cools: reports

The latest reports from Italy suggest that Ferrari president John Elkann wants to give team principal Fred Vasseur time to bring success to the F1 team. Reports that Christian Horner could replace the Frenchman have also been labeled as “not credible” as the Scuderia turned its attention to the 2026 season.

Apparently, Ferrari’s top brass were interested in replacing team principal Fred Vasseur with the now unemployed Christian Horner. The Briton was sacked as team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing in July.

Motorsport Italy reported that these rumors lack credibility, as Horner is still on gardening leave at Red Bull and will not be available to work in F1 until the end of next year. Ferrari also just handed Fred Vasseur a new contract in July, and chairman John Elkann is reportedly in no rush to decide the 53-year-old’s future.

Vasseur, alongside Ferrari technical director Loic Serra, will have the chance to implement plans and deliver a winning car in 2026. John Elkann has also publicly stated that 2026 is the year he hopes the Maranello-based team will return to competing for major F1 titles.

Although Vasseur’s job remains secure for the time being, reports also suggest that the team environment at Ferrari has become somewhat “toxic” This year. This was due to the poor performance of the SF-25, which failed to meet the expectations of the team, particularly drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.

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Fred Vasseur could be in trouble if Ferrari fails to perform in 2026

Reports of Motorsport Italy has also claimed that Fred Vasseur’s job may not be as secure if Ferrari is far from leading the pack in the 2026 season. There could well be a “revolution” within the team if next year is also disappointing, which will go well beyond Vasseur.

As previously mentioned, John Elkann has set his sights on 2026, when the team will likely return to its former glory. The Italian put his life on the line, and another disappointing season next year could have major consequences.

F1 is set for a change in technical regulations in 2026, which will bring major changes to the engine and aerodynamics departments. Early reports suggested that Mercedes appeared to have an advantage in developing its powertrains for next year, with all other manufacturers playing catch-up.

If this proves to be the case, it could well be that Vasseur and other members of the Scuderia will be removed from the operation.

If Vasseur and the F1 team management fail to deliver on their promises next year, Christian Horner can return to the fray, as he will then be available to take on a new role. The 51-year-old’s reported desire to acquire a stake in his next project could, however, be a point of conflict.