Steiner on Vasseur at Ferrari: "Kicking Fred out? That would be wrong"

(Motorsport-Total.com) - Günther Steiner is certain that Frederic Vasseur needs time at Ferrari and should help shape the era starting with the 2026 Formula 1 season with new technical regulations. The former Haas team boss considers the Italians a strong team, firmly established in second place in the Constructors' Championship behind McLaren – ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull. Vasseur and Ferrari only extended their contract in July 2025 .

Steiner told Web.de : "That was the right decision. It takes years for a team to gel. And: Ferrari is currently second in the Constructors' Championship. Perhaps it doesn't quite meet the expectations of Ferrari management, who dream of the World Championship title, but realistically speaking, the team is strong."

"And firing Fred now? That would be wrong," he clarifies. "Then the next person will come along, say he has to restructure everything, and needs another two years of grace. Fred must now be given the chance to help shape 2026. Only then will we see if it works."

Consistency and calm at Maranello could be the key to success. Vasseur himself believes this: "I think it's a long process. That applies to us, but also to Formula 1 as a whole: If you want to win, you need personnel consistency – both in hiring and management. This is especially important in recruiting, because new people are still joining the team today. That's good for the future, because stability is key."

John Elkann, Ferrari's chairman, would like to see the Scuderia back at the top of the premier class. "We're on the same page because, first, we're continuing together, and second, we're in second place," said Vasseur. "Eight teams on the grid would like to be in second place, but you sometimes forget that."

"Our goal isn't to be second, but first," Vasseur continued. "We're trying to get closer to McLaren, but that's a challenge." But in Formula 1, things can change quickly: The formerly dominant Red Bull team is down to fourth place, and Mercedes is only third. McLaren has suddenly taken over.

"We're not that far behind in the race, but we need to get even closer in qualifying, because it's difficult when you start from further back," Vasseur explains Ferrari's next goal. "But we're getting closer step by step."