Fred Vasseur faces internal animosity at Maranello amid Ferrari form slump

Scuderia Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has come under intense scrutiny at Maranello as internal friction begins to surface following a slump in the team’s 2026 Formula 1 campaign.

According to veteran Italian journalist Giorgio Terruzzi, speaking on the Terruzzi Racconta podcast, Vasseur is now facing animosity among factory staff, who have even coined a telling nickname for the French team boss.

Growing Tension and the 'Napoleon' Nickname

The Scuderia’s form has suffered a downturn since the resumption of racing following the summer break. Neither Lewis Hamilton nor Charles Leclerc has managed to secure a podium finish in the cockpit of the SF-26, while Hamilton’s championship aspirations continue to fade as Kimi Antonelli extends his advantage at the top of the standings. This downturn comes amid ongoing garage pressure, even as Lewis Hamilton vehemently denies demanding Ferrari crew shake-ups.

Terruzzi revealed that the discontent within Maranello has triggered growing resentment towards Vasseur’s leadership style:

“There are loads of problems that can’t really be discussed,” Terruzzi said. “The Vasseur issue is a recurring one; it’s an evergreen topic that crops up every year because the management is what it is. It goes without saying that the problem exists, just as there’s a relationship with [Benedetto] Vigna, which is now non-existent.”

“There’s also some animosity towards him in Maranello because he’s rarely seen; they call him ‘Napoleon’ because he seems to have the attitude of an absolute, all-powerful boss – a bit off-putting, a bit arrogant.”

Succession Rumours and Potential Replacements

Although Hamilton and Leclerc continue to stand behind their team principal, reports indicate that alternative leadership options are already being considered. Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship chief, Antonello Coletta, has been highlighted as a potential ‘Plan B’ internally.

Journalist Pino Allievi also outlined other names linked to the role. While Ferrari chairman John Elkann is reportedly fond of Christian Horner, Allievi noted that Horner “wants to be a manager, to follow Toto Wolff, who has some shares.”

McLaren’s Andrea Stella was also mentioned following suggestions of a future vacancy linked to Gianpiero Lambiase’s potential 2028 move. However, Allievi stated: “They would like Andrea Stella, but it seems he replied no, no more than a couple of months ago.”

Vasseur’s immediate standing could hinge heavily on whether Ferrari can turn their fortunes around and secure a strong result at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.