Angry at media? Ferrari wanted to dodge ‘Verstappen-fuelled’ Red Bull fallout
John Elkann with Fred Vasseur - Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 18:07, 21 Aug 2025
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A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has admitted he wanted to avoid a storm due to the effect media noise has had on rival F1 team, Red Bull Racing.
Vasseur came under fire by Italian media a few months ago, where his continuance as Ferrari team principal was brought into question.
He charged hard against the media in Canada shortly after the reports had surfaced.
Recently the Frenchman signed a contract extension at the Scuderia putting the final nail on the rumours' coffin.
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Why was he so adamant and fierce in his reaction to the media's rumours? He uses Red Bull and McLaren, as opposing figures, to argue his case.
“This is not about me. Things like this can cause people in the team to lose their focus,” Vasseur said to Auto, Motor und Sport.
“Look at Red Bull, what has happened there in recent weeks. There were only rumours about Verstappen," he added, hinting at the recent structure revamp the Austrian flock has undergone.
"And that’s one of McLaren’s strengths. They have managed to stay out of all these stories and upheavals.
Vasseur looks at Sainz situation as benchmark, but is a miss for Ferrari
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"That’s why last year I announced the signing of Lewis before the season," Vasseur added.
"If I had done that between Imola and Monte-Carlo, a lot of people would have gone into panic mode.”
Despite his efforts to sidestep the hype surrounding Hamilton's signing, the Brit's insertion to the team has been anything but smooth.
Following disparaging results in Belgium and Hungary, Hamilton was distraught, something that Vasseur believes does more harm than good.
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