Charles Leclerc has jumped to the defence of Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.
Vasseur’s future at Ferrari has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, as Ferrari’s season has deteriorated since a competitive first leg of the year.
The SF-26 started 2026 as the closest package to Mercedes, regularly challenging for podiums, and even taking two wins, one a piece for Leclerc and teammate Lewis Hamilton.
But F1’s cutthroat development race has hit hard, with Ferrari falling behind Red Bull and McLaren in recent months, frustrating fans, the team, and both drivers who are vying for number one status and more victories.
Ferrari was forced to issue a statement condemning the speculation around Vasseur as rumours swirled its Team Principal was facing the axe.
Ahead of this weekend’s race in Sepang, Leclerc defended Vasseur’s record, highlighting his strengths as a Team Principal.
“I think to manage people, which is exactly what you’ve got to be good at when you are a team principal,” he said to media, including Motorsport Week.
“He knows what are the words to be used and what are the conditions that someone needs to be put into in order to extract the maximum out of an individual.”
“I’ve always said how much I trust Fred and how important he is for the team. We have a very special relationship.”
“He’s been extremely valuable so far and he will be extremely valuable in the years to come as well.”
“There was never any doubt inside the team that he has all of our support. Then sometimes it’s needed to make it clear to the outside world as well.”
Charles Leclerc reveals impact of Fred Vasseur rumours
Revealing the impact of the rumours on the wider team, Leclerc hinted that although it has not destabilised the team, it has impacted “serenity”.
“I just wish that sometimes there were less of these silly rumours going around.”
“I took off everything that is social media. So I don’t see much of what’s going on around.”
“Many people from the team know what’s going around. And that is not good for the serenity of the team for sure.”
“This is something that we have little control over and we’ve got to maximise our results anyway.”
“I don’t think it does any good, that’s for sure.”
“We’re all trying to do our best. Fred, the first, and all of us inside the team, we are pushing ourselves to the limit, and I find it a little bit disrespectful to see so many rumours.” “It’s part of our job to take criticism, but when you spread these kinds of things over and over, I think at one point it’s just not so respectful.”
Leclerc’s insight into Ferrari indicates a team that is backing its Team Principal, and rallying together in the face of adversity. #
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