Ferrari back Frederic Vasseur as F1 team principal

Ferrari have backed Frederic Vasseur as their Formula 1 team principal.

Ferrari chief communication officer Maria Conti used a hastily convened media call to deliver the message, saying she was speaking on behalf of chairman John Elkann and chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna.

Ferrari entered the 2026 season hoping their preparations for widespread rule changes covering cars and engines would give them a chance to become championship contenders.

Ferrari are second in the constructors' championship after 15 of a scheduled 23 races, but a massive 160 points behind leaders Mercedes and more concerned about fending off a challenge from McLaren, who are 72 points adrift in third place.

Vasseur said after the race in Baku in reference to speculation about his future: "We are not working in the perfect serenity. For me, first, but for everybody in the team, for the media, for 50% of the questions [to be] about this, it's a bit of a frustrating situation.

"But it is what it is - it's not in my hands. Mr Horner is looking for a job - that everybody knows - everywhere.

Vasseur signed a new contract with Ferrari in July last year. Ferrari did not say how long it lasted beyond describing it as "a multi-year contract for the coming Formula 1 seasons".

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