Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur is facing renewed scrutiny after another podium-less weekend in Azerbaijan, with speculation about his future at Maranello intensifying. Alongside former Red Bull boss Christian Horner, Ferrari endurance racing chief Antonello Coletta has now been mentioned as a potential successor.
Vasseur’s position has come under increasing pressure despite Ferrari remaining second in the 2026 constructors’ championship. Charles Leclerc finished fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth in Baku, leaving the Scuderia still behind Mercedes but failing to convert its pace into a podium.
According to GPblog, there is growing uncertainty over whether Vasseur will remain in charge of Ferrari’s Formula 1 operation next season. The report goes as far as suggesting it would be “a big surprise” if the Frenchman continued in the role.
Horner openly discusses Ferrari opportunity
Christian Horner has added fuel to the speculation surrounding Vasseur’s position by making no secret of his interest in a potential Ferrari move.
The former Red Bull team principal recently told The Times that Ferrari would represent an exception to his previous preference for returning to Formula 1 only as part of a project where he could have an ownership stake.
“At this stage of my life, there is only one team where I would accept not being a co-owner. That is the Scuderia,” Horner said.
Asked whether he would consider Ferrari, Horner added: “I mean, Ferrari is the biggest brand in Formula 1. That’s the dream.”
His comments have inevitably prompted questions about whether Ferrari could eventually consider replacing Vasseur with the 51-year-old Briton.
Coletta joins D’Ambrosio on reported list
Horner is not the only name being discussed.
GPblog also identifies Ferrari’s current assistant team principal Jerome D’Ambrosio as a possible candidate, while Antonello Coletta has emerged as another option.
Coletta currently leads Ferrari’s endurance racing operation and has extensive experience within the wider Ferrari organisation. His familiarity with Maranello could make him a natural internal candidate if the company decided to make a change.
However, GPblog reports that Coletta is not currently considered one of the leading names on Ferrari’s shortlist.
That leaves D’Ambrosio, Horner and other potential candidates in the wider conversation should Ferrari ultimately decide that a change of leadership is required.
Constructors’ championship could prove crucial
Ferrari’s position in the constructors’ championship could become an important factor in determining Vasseur’s future.
The Scuderia currently occupies second place behind Mercedes, while McLaren is third and 72 points adrift. Ferrari therefore retains a significant advantage, but losing runner-up status would increase the scrutiny surrounding the team.
Vasseur has made clear that retaining second place is his objective for the remainder of the season.
Following the Horner speculation in Baku, Sky asked Vasseur about his former rival’s comments.
“Christian Horner has been looking for a job for some time now. Ultimately, things are the way they are. It’s not easy to work in this atmosphere and have to answer the same questions 25 times a day – for me and for everyone on the team,” Vasseur responded.
For now, there is no confirmation from Ferrari that a change is planned. However, with Horner publicly discussing Ferrari, internal candidates reportedly being considered and the constructors’ championship still to be settled, questions over Vasseur’s future are unlikely to disappear.
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
