Fred Vasseur says Ferrari relationship with Charles Leclerc goes beyond F1

Vasseur reveals the depth of his Ferrari relationship with Leclerc

Fred Vasseur says his relationship with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari extends well beyond the professional demands of Formula 1, describing their connection as the closest he has formed with any driver.

Since taking charge, Vasseur has overseen four of Leclerc’s nine F1 victories, including the driver’s most recent success at the British Grand Prix earlier this month. That result ended a long wait for a win and represented a significant moment for both driver and team. Leclerc has described the Silverstone breakthrough as a product of data, intuition and set-up changes.

‘Nothing comes close’ to their connection

In his biography, En Piste, Vasseur described an almost telepathic understanding between the pair.

“There are a number of drivers I have been very close to, but nothing comes close to the visceral attachment I have with Charles,” he said. “We don’t always need to talk to each other. We look at each other and understand one another.”

Vasseur also worked with Lewis Hamilton at ART before the Briton reached Formula 1. Their relationship was renewed when Hamilton joined Ferrari in January 2025, and Hamilton later defended Vasseur when the team principal’s position came under scrutiny.

Vasseur characterised that bond differently, emphasising trust rather than the same personal closeness he shares with Leclerc.

“With Lewis, it’s a little different,” he explained. “There is a deep level of trust between us. I know I can trust him, and he knows he can trust me. We have known each other for 20 years, but I don’t have the same level of closeness with him that I have with Charles. My relationship with Charles goes beyond the professional sphere.”

Ferrari’s difficult driver-equilibrium question

Leclerc’s new Ferrari contract could keep him at Maranello into the 2030s, potentially making him a constant presence during Vasseur’s tenure. Yet Hamilton has been Ferrari’s lead driver so far this year and enters the Belgian Grand Prix 39 points ahead of Leclerc.

Vasseur has faced calls to make Leclerc the team’s number-two driver in order to maximise Ferrari’s chances against Mercedes. However, his comments underline why such a decision would be difficult to take unless the competitive case became overwhelming.