Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has publicly thrown his support behind Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, urging critics to back off amid speculation over his future.
The Scuderia boss has come under pressure amid Ferrari’s fading title hopes, with the team trailing McLaren and championship leader Oscar Piastri in both standings.
Speculation around his position has swirled in the paddock, fuelled by Italian media reports labelling Ferrari’s start to the season as “unsatisfactory”.
Vasseur pushed back against the rumours after the team denied any threat to his position, dismissing the speculation as “stupid”.
He added that the constant media scrutiny was only hindering Ferrari’s ability to focus on resolving its current struggles.
One figure backing the Frenchman amid the noise is former Ferrari chief and current F1 boss, Domenicali.
Speaking to France’s L’Equipe, he praised Vasseur’s work and urged him to stay focused despite the pressure.
“He is doing a great job and must remain strong on his objectives,” Domenicali said.
“He needs to disconnect from the external noise and conserve his energy to keep pushing forward.
“I’ve told him, and I say it again now – I believe in him. He must not let these attacks weaken him; criticism is always part of the job.
“Let him work in peace – that’s how Ferrari will get back to the top.”
The Italian led Ferrari from 2008 to 2014, overseeing a challenging period marked by a title drought that began the year before his tenure.
Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 World Champion, remains the last driver to secure a championship for Ferrari, with the team also enduring a Constructors’ title drought since that same season.
Ferrari came close last season, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz leading the charge, but ultimately fell just short to McLaren in the 2024 Abu Dhabi finale.
This year, the challenge continues to grow, as Ferrari currently trails the Woking-based team by a hefty 191 points.
READ MORE – Italian journalists’ union hit back at Fred Vasseur over Ferrari rumour criticism
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