In September 2023, at Monza, home to the Italian Grand Prix, the magnitude of Ferrari’s legacy truly dawned on Fred Vasseur, the newly appointed team principal of the scuderia. Throughout the weekend, he was inundated with requests for photos and autographs, a stark increase from what he was accustomed to. From his vantage point on the Ferrari pit wall, he witnessed the fervent fan clubs in the grandstands closely monitoring the red cars. Post-race, a sea of thousands of fans flooded the main straight, waving their prancing horse flags, celebrating Carlos Sainz’s third-place finish with exuberant cheers and chants. In Italy, Ferrari is not just a Formula One team; it is a symbol of national pride, and Monza is a revered pilgrimage site for the loyal tifosi fandom.
The Challenge and Vision
Appointed as the head of Ferrari in January 2023, Vasseur understood the weight of the task at hand. His mission is to end Ferrari’s 15-year championship drought and restore the team to its former glory as a dominant force in F1. This ambitious project is highlighted by the sensational signing of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season, a move that signifies a comprehensive endeavor far beyond just a high-profile addition to the team.
A Continuous Pursuit of Excellence
Sitting in his office within Ferrari’s motorhome during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend in June, Vasseur emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. He stressed the need for every employee to embrace the mindset of striving for excellence each day. Vasseur stated, “We have to continue to change things everywhere. It’s the only way to improve.”
Shaping Ferrari’s Future
Upon taking the reins at Ferrari, Vasseur did not experience a surge of emotions when walking through the gates of the iconic Maranello factory for the first time as the team principal. The pressing deadlines ahead of the season launch and the first test day demanded his immediate focus. Vasseur inherited a Ferrari team that had a mixed performance in 2022, winning four races but falling short of sustaining a title challenge. His approach upon arrival was one of humility and careful evaluation, eschewing immediate drastic changes.
Vasseur identified the need to instill a more daring and risk-taking mentality within the team, drawing inspiration from the approach of rival Red Bull. By empowering individuals to take calculated risks and fostering a culture of pushing boundaries, Vasseur aimed to shift Ferrari towards a more aggressive and innovative mindset. He emphasized the importance of being comfortable with operating at the limit to bridge the performance gap with competitors.
