Ferrari has moved decisively to end mounting speculation about Christian Horner's potential arrival at the team, issuing an unusually forceful public statement of confidence in team principal Fred Vasseur. The Italian marque convened an unscheduled media call on Tuesday, with chief communication officer Maria Conti speaking on behalf of chair John Elkann and chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna, to make clear that no managerial change was under consideration.
"Ferrari's position is clear, has not changed, and Ferrari has made its choices already. We have confidence, full confidence, in Fred Vasseur and in his team, and we continue to do so,"Conti stated.
"Everybody, they are still creating a lot of different stories around Fred and this is not useful. We do not intend to fuel speculation or comment on assumptions coming from outside the company."
The statement came after Horner, who was removed from his Red Bull role in July 2025 after leading the team for 20 years, had publicly declared that managing Ferrari would be his "dream" job and the only position he would accept without part-ownership. However, according to ESPN sources, Horner was not actively pursuing a Ferrari role and had neither been offered one nor entered talks with the team.
Why did Ferrari feel compelled to make this statement?
The Scuderia's decision to hold a rare unscheduled press conference reflected the intensity of speculation surrounding Vasseur's future. Horner's comments had sparked debate about whether the team might seek a change in leadership, particularly given Ferrari's disappointing performance relative to expectations this season. Although the team sits second in the world championship, they trail leaders Mercedes by 160 points—a gap that has widened as McLaren and Red Bull have caught up in development after Ferrari opened the campaign with a strong chassis.
Ferrari said it made the statement ahead of the Malaysia race weekend to prevent speculation from dominating coverage, and stressed the need for the team to remain "united and cohesive," according to Motorsport Week. Vasseur himself had acknowledged the distraction after the previous round in Baku.
"We are not working in the perfect serenity,"he said.
"But it is what it is, it's not in my hands. Mr Horner is looking for a job – that everybody knows – everywhere. But what can I do? Just try to do my best to push the team."
What is Vasseur's track record at Ferrari?
Vasseur joined Ferrari in 2023 and had his contract extended in July of the previous year, securing his position through a multi-year commitment. Under his leadership, Ferrari led the constructors' championship battle closely in 2024, when McLaren ultimately prevailed. He also played an instrumental role in bringing Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari for 2025, a move designed to strengthen the team's title credentials. Despite this season's underperformance, the organization has publicly reaffirmed its belief in his ability to restore the team to championship contention.
Conti acknowledged that Horner's interest in the Ferrari position was itself a testament to the team's enduring prestige.
"Ferrari has always attracted extraordinary interest, and it is only natural that many professionals aspire to be part of it,"she said.
"It is a reflection of the strength of what Ferrari really represents."
What other driver news emerged on Tuesday?
Aston Martin confirmed that its driver lineup for 2027 will remain unchanged, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll continuing together. Alonso's decision to remain in Formula 1 ended speculation that the 46-year-old double world champion was considering retirement, despite Aston Martin enduring a difficult season with an underperforming car and power unit. Next year will mark Alonso's 24th full season in the sport.
"It took me a little bit of time to make my decision. But now I have things very clear on my mind,"Alonso said.
"I will retire from F1 … But not yet. I still feel fast and motivated and a huge passion for F1 and for the sport. It is my life."
What happens next?
The next Grand Prix weekend is scheduled for October 2–4 at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, with the race taking place on Sunday, October 4. Ferrari will hope the Malaysia event provides an opportunity to refocus attention on track performance and away from management speculation.
