Hamilton backs Vasseur as Ferrari boss he needs amid Horner speculation

Lewis Hamilton has thrown his full public support behind Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, describing the Frenchman as the right leader to drive the Scuderia forward, as renewed speculation over Vasseur’s future continues to unsettle the team.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion was unequivocal. “I think Fred has the full backing,” Hamilton said. “Fred is a fantastic leader. He really is the guy to take this team in the right direction.”

Hamilton also pointed to the collective progress made under Vasseur’s stewardship. “He’s helped make changes in this past year. He’s helped us get to second in the constructors’ championship — that’s a huge step from last year.”

The latest round of speculation was ignited by an interview former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner gave to The Times, timed to promote the release of his memoir. When asked what it would take for him to return to Formula 1, Horner said he would only consider a role without an ownership stake at one team. “Would I consider Ferrari? I mean, Ferrari is the biggest brand in Formula 1. It’s the dream. And arguably it’s the sleeping giant of Formula 1,” he said.

While Horner stopped short of explicitly positioning himself as a candidate to replace Vasseur, the comments generated significant attention in Italy and drew a sharp response from Vasseur himself. “We are not working in perfect serenity, if that is the question,” Vasseur said. “For me, but for everybody on the team, for the media — 50% of the questions are about this. I think it’s a bit of a frustrating situation. Mr Horner is looking for a job — that everybody knows — everywhere.”

This is not the first time Vasseur’s position has come under scrutiny. Just over a year ago, a similar wave of rumours was put to rest when he signed a new contract with the team. Ferrari moved swiftly this week to reaffirm its position, issuing a statement confirming that president John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna remain fully behind their team principal.

Hamilton’s intervention adds further weight to that backing. Having joined Ferrari at the start of this season, the 40-year-old is clearly invested in the stability of the leadership structure around him, and his words carry considerable influence both inside and outside the paddock.