Villeneuve and Domenicali clash over Christian Horner's Ferrari pursuit
Villeneuve has delivered a stark warning (Photo: Race Pictures)
14:00, 30 Sep
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Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
Fred Vasseur has received a stark warning from Jacques Villeneuve over Christian Horner’s pursuit of his job.
Horner openly courted the Ferrari team principal role that Vasseur occupies ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, saying it’s the one ‘dream’ constructor that he’d accept such an invite from.
The quotes came amid a dire run from Ferrari, who have been off the podium for the last five races, virtually ending any faint title hopes.
Rumblings in the paddock suggest Vasseur could be under threat, but Ferrari acted to dismiss them with a public statement.
However, 1997 F1 world champion Villeneuve has warned the Frenchman that the drama is far from over.
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Villeneuve tells Vasseur to be ‘on his toes’
The Sky F1 pundit commented: "Christian Horner is someone you have to take seriously and under consideration because he built up the winning Red Bull team.
"He has a lot of very good and positive baggage, full of successes so you have to take that into consideration.
"I wouldn't say it's scary for who is in place, but you need to be on your toes."
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He added: "Ferrari is not an easy place to be. We have seen so many changes - two or three years, next one, because the results don't come.
"So you are always on an ejectable seat and you have to be careful."
Villeneuve’s comments echo the sentiment of much of the paddock, apart from the sport’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali.
The Italian held Vasseur’s post in Maranello from 2008 to 2014, and has warned them off a move for Horner.
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Domenicali urges Ferrari to avoid ‘fanciful solutions’
Speaking on Rai Radio1, he said: "This is a time when the results aren't what we expect.
“My experience tells me that, especially at a time of so many voices, including self-candidates from important people, we must remain strong, united, and avoid fanciful solutions that risk misleading us and causing further delays.
"Whoever is in charge of a team like Ferrari, Fred Vasseur, must have the desire to stay on course and be clear about what needs to be done to ensure a winning streak.
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“The stormier the weather, the more the captain needs to stay on course.”
Ferrari have since publicly backed Vasseur in a rare statement on the matter.
Ferrari issue rare public backing for Vasseur
They wrote: “In recent days, there has been increasing speculation surrounding Scuderia Ferrari and its leadership. Ferrari's position is clear and has not changed.
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"Ferrari has made its choices. We had confidence in Fred Vasseur and his team, and we continue to do so. At this moment, it is essential that the team remains united and cohesive, focusing all its energy on the work ahead.
"Ferrari has always attracted extraordinary interest, and it is only natural that many professionals aspire to be part of it. It is a reflection of the strength of what Ferrari represents.
"We do not intend to fuel speculation or comment on assumptions coming from outside the company. Our focus is on the work, on improving performance, and on looking ahead. This is the Ferrari spirit: humility and complete focus on the future."
Despite such assurances, there isn’t a great precedent for Vasseur, as former team principals haven’t survived long after such votes of confidence.
Maurizio Arrivabene lasted 121 more days, while his successor, Mattia Binotto, was gone two weeks after his public backing.
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