Ferrari take huge step to appease Lewis Hamilton after demand from seven-time F1 champion

Ferrari have confirmed a new multi-year contract for team principal Frederic Vasseur. The extended deal for the Frenchman comes after months of speculation over his future, fuelled by some Italian media outlets which had consistently suggested Ferrari bosses were considering a change of leadership at their Formula 1 team.

The famous red team enjoyed a strong 2024 season, finishing as runner-up to champions McLaren after a final-day decider at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. But it was a strong year upon which they hoped to build and mount another title assault this term.

But that has not happened. Instead, McLaren have established themselves as the dominant force on the grid while Ferrari, along with the rest of their rivals, have been unable to compete at the very front despite signing seven-time World champion Lewis Hamilton.

The Brit has struggled to adjust to his new machinery, while Charles Leclerc has shone despite being limited by his car. He is widely considered to have overachieved with his five podiums so far this year, despite the flawed machine he has been given to drive.

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The situation gave rise to speculation in the Italian press that Vasseur's future might be under threat. His contract was due to expire at the end of this year and rumours that he could be replaced only intensified after Christian Horner, who has been courted by Ferrari before, was axed by Red Bull.

But the team has now moved to end speculation over the team principal role for now. Vasseur has been handed a new multi-year contract, the Scuderia confirmed on Thursday ahead of this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

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"Today we want to recognize what has been built and commit to what still needs to be achieved," said Ferrari chief executive Benedetto Vigna. "It reflects our trust in Fred’s leadership – a trust rooted in shared ambition, mutual expectations and clear responsibility. We move forward with determination and focus, united in our pursuit of the level of performance Ferrari has to aim for."

And Vasseur added: "I’m grateful for the trust Ferrari continues to place in me. This renewal is not just a confirmation, it’s a challenge to keep progressing, to stay focused, and to deliver. Over the past 30 months, we’ve laid strong foundations, and now we must build on them with consistency and determination. We know what’s expected, and we’re all fully committed to meeting those expectations and taking the next step forward together."

The move will delight both Ferrari drivers who made it clear in June that they did not want to see a change of leader. "[Replacing Vasseur] is certainly not something that I would be supportive of," Hamilton said. "It’s definitely not nice to hear that there are stories like that that are out there.

"I love working with Fred. Fred’s the main reason I'm in this team and got the opportunity to be here, which I'm forever grateful for. We're in this together. We're working hard in the background. Things aren't perfect, but for me, as I said, I'm here to work with the team, but also with Fred. I want Fred here. I do believe Fred is the person to take us to the top."