Fred Vasseur Slams "Disrespectful" Media Over False Ferrari Exit Rumors

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has fiercely denied reports of his impending dismissal, blasting Italian media for spreading "disrespectful" and destabilizing rumors during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend. Vasseur's explosive rebuttal came after Corriere della Sera claimed Ferrari sought to replace him amid the team's performance challenges.  

"Too Much Is Too Much": Vasseur's Fiery Stand

During a tense FIA press conference in Montreal, Vasseur condemned the speculation as harmful to Ferrari's staff and their families. "It's not about me—I can manage this," he stated. "But it's disrespectful for the team members. We saw this last year with our chief of aero." He questioned the motives behind the reports, suggesting they aimed to "give shit to the team."

Vasseur emphasized the timing couldn't be worse: "When fighting for a championship, every detail matters. These rumors destroy focus." Drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had already publicly backed Vasseur, dismissing the claims.  

Human Cost of "Harsh" Journalism

The Ferrari boss highlighted the personal toll on employees: "They work tirelessly, sacrifice family time, then see headlines saying they'll be replaced. It's very harsh." He described how false reports about replacements create panic: "If a journalist says Ferrari will hire 'X' for a role, the person in that role thinks, 'Tomorrow I lose my job.'"  

Williams team principal James Vowles supported Vasseur, calling him "an incredibly good leader" who shoulders pressure to protect his team. Vowles warned of media power: "One line can destroy individuals."  

Moving Forward

Vasseur plans to address the issue internally at Maranello but stressed, "I'm not a fireman. This is about respect." He vowed to stop engaging with "stupid" rumors, though media queries persisted throughout the weekend.  

As Ferrari battles Red Bull for the 2024 title, Vasseur's outburst underscores the intense pressure on F1's elite teams—and the human impact of speculative journalism.