Hamilton and Leclerc Endorsed Ferrari Principal
The Ferrari drivers and team management have publicly backed Fred Vasseur amid speculation about his future at the team.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Motorsports
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Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have officially endorsed Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur following rumors regarding his position. Ferrari leadership also issued a statement of full confidence in Vasseur as the team navigates ongoing performance challenges.
Why it matters
The public show of support aims to quell speculation fueled by rumors linking former Red Bull boss Christian Horner to the team principal role. The team is currently focused on addressing an identified power deficit ahead of upcoming races.
Hamilton reported a straight-line power deficit of 0.4 to 0.6 seconds per lap compared to rivals. The seven-time world champion and Leclerc currently anchor a Ferrari team holding 2nd in the standings.
The players
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time world champion racing driver known for his historic career in Formula One.
Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc is a professional racing driver currently competing for the Ferrari Formula One team.
Fred Vasseur
Fred Vasseur is the team principal of Ferrari responsible for leading the organization's racing operations.
Christian Horner
Christian Horner is the former Red Bull boss who has been the subject of rumors regarding team principal roles.
The details
Drivers and team management addressed the personnel speculation publicly to stabilize the organization during a competitive season. Ferrari is working to rectify engine power deficits that have hindered their performance on the track.
Timeline
Ferrari finished fourth in the constructors' championship in 2025.
Hamilton and Leclerc publicly endorsed Fred Vasseur on October 1, 2026.
The Bahrain Grand Prix takes place in Sepang the weekend of October 2-4, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Ferrari's climb to 2nd place represents a significant advancement over their 2025 Ferrari constructors' championship fourth-place finish. This upward momentum reinforces the team's commitment to Vasseur as they contend with their rivals for the remainder of the season.
The team must bridge a 0.4 to 0.6 second per lap deficit to remain competitive in the constructors' standings. Future race results will determine if these engine adjustments successfully narrow the gap to the front of the pack.
The takeaway
Maintaining internal stability is critical for Ferrari as they attempt to capitalize on their improved standing in the constructors' championship. The team remains focused on addressing technical power deficits to sustain their competitive position for the rest of the year.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of teams and drivers, visit the Motorsports section.
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