Vasseur explains Ferrari 'full confidence' statement amid increasing speculation

Since the Madrid GP, GPblog has heard rumours that Vasseur could be replaced come the end of the 2026 season. Speculation has only intensified since former Red Bull boss told The Times that it would be a "dream" to work for the Scuderia, although GPblog also understands that no contact has been made with the Briton over a potential appointment.

In the build up to the Bahrain GP in Malaysia, Ferrari decided to release a statement in support of the 58-year-old, saying the team's position's is "clear and has not changed." The statement added: "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."

Drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have also thrown their support behind Vasseur, although the former has suggested a structural review is needed at the Italian team.

Speaking at the team principal's press conference in Sepang on Friday, Vasseur explained why Ferrari felt it was necessary to make such a statement. He said: "I think this you have to ask your colleagues, when you see the noise and all the rumours in the press all week, I think as a team, we need to work in serenity, and it was absolutely not the case.

"I think the statement... it was mandatory to do something or it would have been the same this weekend. But honestly, the big issue that we have today is to the stability, the serenity into the team, the focus that we need to have and not to have this kind of question all the time," Vasseur concluded.

Before the rest of the press conference could continue, Williams boss James Vowles expressed his own support for Vasseur, citing the fact teams have copied Ferrari's innovation in 2026 as proof the Frenchman is the right man in charge.

He said: "Normally, we beat each other up and put knives in our backs, but Ferrari is in the best place it's been in the championship for a while.