Ferrari won't hire many new engineers says Fred Vasseur as he opens up on the changes to Scuderia's technical department
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur insists that he is proud of the work the Scuderia has done in recent months, also stressing that he does not intend to make many changes to the Italian outfit's technical department.
Ferrari appointed Fred Vasseur as Team Principal last January, with the Alfa Romeo boss and Sauber Motorsport CEO having replaced Mattia Binotto.
The Frenchman insisted several times that the Italian team has everything it needs to win the world championship again. During an interview with Sky Sport, Vasseur said that he is “very proud of the work done in the last 12 months.”
“If we compare the first 12 races of 2024 with those of 2023, we have 2-0 in terms of victories, 9-1 in terms of podiums, and we have 60% more points than a year ago.”
The Scuderia announced the departure of technical director Enrico Cardile from the team in July. While the Italian will join Aston Martin as its new Chief Technical Officer in 2025, his vacant seat has been taken over by Vasseur himself on an interim basis.
Although Vasseur indicated that Ferrari will announce changes to its technical department, he was keen to stress the importance of the collective group of engineering minds.
“I have full confidence in this group and I was a bit disturbed to read in the press that we could hire 20 people. This sends a very negative message to those working in the company.
"One can imagine someone in a position within the team reading in the papers that they might be replaced tomorrow: it’s not great motivation. Certainly, it’s not the team’s goal.”
“We talk about the team’s image and the people we have on the track and in the factory are pushing hard, and reading that they might be replaced is not fair and damages team spirit.”
“We are over 1000 people and talking about one or two individuals, one who might come or one who might leave, does not significantly change the organization.”
Reflecting on his time at Ferrari and speaking about the pressure that comes with leading the Scuderia, Vasseur denied that he would have encountered too much stress since replacing Mattio Bintto last January.
“I don’t feel too much pressure. A different matter is the pressure that comes from outside, from the media. Honestly, I don’t read the newspapers, I don’t have Instagram, I don’t have Twitter, and I don’t watch TV.
"I’m quite isolated, while team members are more exposed, and reading these things doesn’t bring a message of calm. If you want to do a good job, you need to feel the full trust of the company.” – Fred Vasseur concluded.
