Toto Wolff Makes Strong Ferrari Statement Amid Fred Vasseur Rumors

Newsweek

3 days ago

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Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff addressed the never-ending rumors claiming Ferrari will fire team principal Fred Vasseur.
After a preseason filled with hype and anticipation, Ferrari fell flat at the start of the season.
They struggled to secure wins or podium finishes, although the Italian team has taken steps to improve throughout the season.
Still, the team isn't in the race for either championship and remains on the hunt for their first win.
Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff, attend the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on August 30,...
Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur and Mercedes GP Executive Director Toto Wolff, attend the Team Principals Press Conference during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on August 30, 2024 in Monza, Italy. More
Photo byFerrari faces high expectations every season as it looks to stop the lingering title drought.
The leadership of the team is known for being impatient with its team principal, and the team's poor form in Vasseur's third season at the helm isn't helping his case with the board.
"It seems to be a bit of a revolving door with teams generally," Wolff told F1.com.
"I think in F1, you can't buy time, and you need to give senior leadership the time to get on top of things.
"Look at us. I'm not enjoying being in a phase that it's the third year in a row that we are not fighting for a championship. We're not useless. We have really good weekends. We're winning races. It's respectable at times.
"And when it's not good, nobody's questioning in a way whether the top guy is doing a good job or not. Leave him the space. Let him do [things]. They need to just let them do [things]."
The Scuderia added Lewis Hamilton to its driver lineup, creating one of the best duos on the grid.
Additionally, they introduced a fresh concept to their car, with the hopes of capitalizing on the current regulations' final year.
Wolff believes in Vasseur's leadership amid Ferrari's issues this season and thinks it is only a matter of time before he turns things around.
"Fred is one of the best racing managers that I know," Wolff said.
"If I wasn't here, I would take Fred. So, I respect him a lot. He's a great personality. He's a straightforward guy. He doesn't do politics and lies. He knows what he's talking about.
"He just needs to be given the trust to run this. He's perfectly aware that in Italy, it's like managing the football national team. You're going to have the scrutiny from the media.
"Maybe that's something you need to grow a little bit of a thick skin, because if he wins, he is Jesus Christ, and if you lose, you're a loser. That's how Italy is. That's fantastic.
"That's the passion that is in there. You've got to embrace that. Maybe that's something he needs to learn. But the rest, he should be given the confidence in running this team. They won't get anybody better."