Ferrari working to extend Fred Vasseur’s contract despite 2025 season pressure – Ralf Schumacher

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is close to signing a contract extension with the Maranello outfit, according to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher.

The German explained on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast that the extension will bring stability to the team, following rumours that Vasseur was under pressure at Ferrari.

The Frenchman joined the team in 2023 and is working to return it to a strong level of competitiveness. After an impressive 2024, in which they finished just 14 points behind the constructors’ champions McLaren, Ferrari has faced a difficult season so far in 2025. 

In addition to this, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton joined Ferrari from the start of the season and is still adjusting to the squad.

“Thankfully, we’re hearing that they are getting closer to Fred Vasseur again and are conducting contract negotiations,” Schumacher explained.

“An extension would be extremely important to ensure stability within the team. And the drivers are behind him, too. That’s great to hear.”

The rumours of Vasseur’s potential exit from Ferrari were swiftly shut down by the team principal and drivers, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff also shared his strong support of Vasseur.

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

“In Formula 1 you can’t buy time, and you need to give senior leadership the time to get on top of things,” Wolff explained to Motorsport.com. “Jean Todt, if I’m not wrong, joined the team [Ferrari] in 1993. They won the first championship in 2000. Eight years. That’s how it goes. 

“And it comes in cycles. Look at us. I’m not enjoying being in a phase that it’s the third year in a row that we’re not fighting for a championship. We’re not useless. We have really good weekends. We’re winning races. It’s respectable at times. And when it’s not good, nobody’s questioning whether the top guy is doing a good job or not.

“Leave him the space. Let him do. Allow him to structure an organisation that isn’t going to grip from day one. Loic is there six months or seven months. They need to just let them do.”

He added, “Fred is one of the best racing managers that I know. If I wasn’t here, I would take Fred. So, I respect him a lot. He’s a great personality. He’s a straightforward guy. He doesn’t do politics and lies, and he knows what he’s talking about.”

Photos from Belgian GP – Practice