Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has come to the defense of his competitor and colleague Frédéric Vasseur. The Ferrari team boss is increasingly under pressure at Scuderia due to the lack of anticipated results. However, Wolff argues that Vasseur should be given more time by the Italian team: ‘He is one of the best team bosses I know.’
So far, Ferrari has not been able to meet the high expectations for the 2025 season. Although Scuderia is second in the constructors’ championship, it needs more than double the current total number of World Championship points to catch up with leader McLaren. The hope for a better season from the Italian racing team was fueled at the end of 2024 when Ferrari was able to compete with McLaren for the constructors’ title until the end of the season.
This puts team boss Frédéric Vasseur increasingly under pressure. Ferrari executive John Elkann is reportedly also planning to place a ‘super boss’ above the Frenchman. Elkann would thus want to set up a similar structure as at McLaren, with CEO Zak Brown and team boss Andrea Stella both at the helm.
Wolff Praises Vasseur
No matter what Vasseur’s future at Ferrari will look like, he already has the full support of colleague Toto Wolff. “In Formula 1, you have to give the people at the helm the time to get things done,” the Austrian tells Formula1.com. “Take Jean Todt, for example. He joined Ferrari in 1993, and they only won the championship in 2000. Eight years later. That’s just how it goes.”
According to experienced Wolff, it’s part of the sport that a team sometimes doesn’t belong to the top for a few years. The Austrian therefore defends Vasseur. “Fred is one of the best team bosses I know,” Wolff continues. “If I weren’t at Mercedes, I would choose Fred. So I have a lot of respect for him. He’s a great personality. He’s an honest guy, and doesn’t engage in politics and lies. He knows what he’s talking about. Ferrari won’t get anyone better.”
