F1 news: Stefano Domenicali backs Fred Vasseur as Ferrari eye comeback in 2026
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has publicly backed Fred Vasseur as the right man to lead Scuderia Ferrari’s bid to return to the top of the sport next season.
Domenicali, speaking about Ferrari’s plans for 2026, stressed his confidence in Vasseur’s leadership and the team’s ability to improve after a challenging 2025 campaign.
Ferrari endured a difficult 2025 season, finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship - their lowest position in years - and managing only a handful of podiums.
Belief from former Ferrari boss
The team struggled to consistently challenge rivals such as Red Bull and McLaren, and this underperformance has sparked questions over leadership and strategy.
Despite that, Domenicali believes that Vasseur has a clear plan and the right mindset to guide Ferrari back to competitiveness.
He recently described the team principal as a positive, focused leader who, together with drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, is working on a strong recovery plan during the winter break.
“You know, I'm a positive guy. I think that there's no need to cry. There's no need to always be negative. They need to have a plan. And I'm sure that Fred [Vasseur] and Lewis and Charles have a plan, and that's what's important," Domenicali said to Sky Sports.
Domenicali, who previously served as Ferrari team principal, highlighted the importance of stability and a long-term vision at a club where pressure and expectations are always high.
The CEO believes Ferrari must react to recent struggles with “the right energy” and continue development with a unified approach, rather than making knee-jerk changes.
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An important year ahead
This public show of confidence comes as Ferrari look ahead to the major regulation changes in 2026 - a season many expect will reshape the competitive order in Formula 1.
Vasseur’s task will be to ensure Ferrari are ready for that shift and able to exploit it better than rivals.
Vasseur himself has acknowledged the challenges of the 2025 campaign, noting that decisions like early focus on the 2026 car were tough but necessary.
He believes that continued focus on long-term gains, even if short-term results suffer, will pay off.
Ferrari also extended Vasseur’s contract earlier in 2025, reaffirming their belief in his leadership and long-term strategy.
For now, with Domenicali’s support and a winter to regroup, Ferrari will head into 2026 with Vasseur firmly at the helm and expectations high that the Italian giant can once again challenge for wins and championships.
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