Ferrari Team Principal Absents from Austrian Grand Prix Amid Tensions
Fred Vasseur, team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, will miss the Austrian Grand Prix due to "personal reasons," as confirmed by the team. Deputy Team Principal Jerome d’Ambrosio will take his place on the pit wall during the event.
This absence follows a turbulent Canadian Grand Prix weekend where Vasseur openly criticized the Italian media, urging reporters to recognize the human impact of their coverage on team personnel. "You have to understand that when a journalist says Ferrari will recruit this name for this position, there is someone within this position who fears losing their job if the rumors hold true," Vasseur stated. His remarks were aimed at addressing a climate of pressure surrounding team performance amid a disappointing start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, where Ferrari has struggled to compete with championship leaders McLaren.
Ferrari’s official statement did not elaborate on Vasseur’s absence, but his earlier comments reflect ongoing issues regarding team morale and media scrutiny. Qualifying results indicate a promising session for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc starting from second position and Lewis Hamilton in fourth.
As the team navigates these challenges, Vasseur’s future with Ferrari remains uncertain, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Key Takeaways:
- Vasseur’s Absence: Replaced by Jerome d’Ambrosio for the Austrian GP.
- Media Criticism: Vasseur’s remarks highlight the pressure on team members from media speculations.
- Current Season Performance: Ferrari is yet to pose a significant challenge to McLaren in the championship standings.
- Leclerc’s Qualifying Position: Starts second, indicating potential for a strong race performance.
Ferrari faces critical challenges as it seeks to recalibrate its strategy and improve team conditions amidst external pressures.
