There is nothing like a wild animal in the undergrowth to focus minds. And with Christian Horner linked to Ferrari, the Scuderia announced yesterday a new multi-year deal with team principal Fred Vasseur.
It was a victory for Lewis Hamilton, too – and, heavens, they have proved elusive in his dotage as a driver.
Vasseur did much to tempt the now 40-year-old Hamilton to end his career in red. Yes, the initial interest was activated above their heads – by Ferrari president John Elkann and Enzo Ferrari’s son Piero, a long-time selector of the team’s drivers, going back to the day his dad was king of Formula One.
Vasseur’s connection to Hamilton dates to when the Frenchman ran ART and they combined to great effect – Hamilton won GP2 in 2006 in spectacular style. His drives in Monaco that year, among other highlights, were a portent of the glories to come.
Vasseur, 57, has re-signed for three years, sources suggest. Ferrari’s spokeswoman declined to comment. Silence is the Ferrari policy and has been for a number of years now.
Hamilton talked to the press in the rebuilt Budapest paddock ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, a race he has won a record eight times. He is ruling out a triumph on Sunday to kick-start his season, as he did in Budapest in 2009 at McLaren with his first win of that difficult campaign. His first win for Mercedes came here in 2013.
Ferrari have shut down links with Christian Horner by signing Fred Vasseur to a new contract
Vasseur has re-signed with the Maranello-based outfit as team principal for three more years
The move is a victory for Lewis Hamilton, who insisted he has ‘absolute confidence’ in Vasseur
But Vasseur staying is a tonic. The Frenchman was under pressure earlier in the season. Ferrari have not won a race outside Hamilton’s sprint victory in China, but the seven-time world champion publicly spoke up for his boss back then.
Yesterday, Hamilton said: ‘I heard about the extension on Wednesday. I am always positive about Fred, and I have told everyone that. I told you before it was the right choice. And Fred signed me here.
‘He is completely different from Toto (Wolff, his ex-Mercedes boss) in terms of character but they are both massive racers.
‘The real positive when I worked with Toto was how he was able to figure out how people work best and how to get the most out of someone. For me, he created freedom to express myself the way I wanted to, and that enabled me to be the best version of myself.
‘Fred is similar in that respect. I am still trying to learn the way he works. But I have absolute confidence in Fred.’
In reality, Vasseur must oversee an upturn in fortunes – whatever his contract says. For the story of Ferrari since their last title in 2008 is one of false dawns and long knives.
Announcing Vasseur’s continued presence, Ferrari, who lie second in the constructors’ standings behind McLaren, said: ‘Renewing Fred’s contract reflects Ferrari’s determination to build on the foundations laid so far.
‘His ability to lead under pressure, embrace innovation and pursue performance aligns fully with Ferrari’s values and long-term ambitions.’
Vasseur, 57, did much to tempt the now 40-year-old Hamilton to leave Mercedes for Ferrari
In truth, it is unlikely Horner, who has been released by Red Bull, would have chosen to go to Ferrari in any event. He knocked back their advances, and the riches of Araby, before Vasseur was appointed in 2023.
He knows Maranello is apt to be a viper’s nest, and will no doubt seek a future elsewhere.
As for Horner’s old team, Max Verstappen said he would stay put for 2026 – and ‘end the rumours’.
And George Russell confirmed he has been offered a new contract at Mercedes, as we reported on Monday worth £30million a year. He will put pen to paper after the summer break.