Ferrari backs Vasseur as Williams boss defends his leadership

Ferrari has publicly backed team principal Fred Vasseur amid renewed speculation about his future, with Vasseur saying the statement was intended to restore calm and focus. Williams team principal James Vowles also defended Vasseur, calling him the right person to lead Ferrari. Ferrari’s statement, attributed to president John Elkann and chief executive Benedetto Vigna, said the company had confidence in Vasseur and his team. The renewed discussion followed comments by former Red Bull chief Christian Horner that leading Ferrari would be a dream role. The supplied reports do not establish that Horner was seeking the job or that Ferrari had decided to change team leadership. Speaking at a press conference in Sepang on Friday, October 2, Vasseur said a week of speculation had distracted the team. He said Ferrari issued its statement to help create stability and allow the team to concentrate on its work, rather than face repeated questions about his position. Vowles offered his support during the press conference, saying Ferrari had shown innovation and that he saw no question about Vasseur being the right person to lead the team.