Ferrari’s top executive, John Elkann, has quashed rumors that he is considering replacing current team boss Frédéric Vasseur with Christian Horner. Previously, Lewis Hamilton dismissed rumors of a potential collaboration with the former Red Bull team boss in Austin, and Elkann echoed this sentiment in a speech: ‘I want to express our full confidence in team boss Fred Vasseur’.
Christian Horner was replaced as Red Bull team boss by Laurent Mekies in July and officially parted ways with the Austrian team last September. The Brit has since been linked with several Formula 1 teams for a potential return to the premier class, including Ferrari’s team.
However, Elkann has now put an end to these rumors. During his speech at the 50th anniversary of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) in Washington D.C., Elkann underscored his confidence in Vasseur. “I want to express our full confidence in team boss Fred Vasseur and in the work he is doing together with all his colleagues at Scuderia Ferrari. In the mechanics, engineers, and drivers who are busy this weekend in Austin. I also want to emphasize once again the importance of everyone working together to stay focused on the only goal that counts: always doing our best on the track.”
Hamilton Supports Vasseur
Elkann’s endorsement of Vasseur follows earlier comments from Lewis Hamilton. The Brit dismissed rumors of a potential collaboration with Horner during the press conference in Austin. “I don’t know where these rumors are coming from, so I can’t say much about it,” the world champion responded at the time. “But it’s a bit distracting for us as a team. The team made a clear statement by extending Fred’s contract. We are working hard together for the future, and these kinds of stories don’t help.”
