Ferrari's Vasseur Slams Media: "Disrespectful and Unjust"
Journalistically unprofessional conduct criticized by Ferrari's team leader: "Lack of respect" - Ferrari team chief openly admits to being disdainful towards media personnel
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Engaging in a blunt exchange, Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur has unleashed a scathing critique of certain Italian journalists. He has pointed the finger at media outlets, accusing them of spreading false information and causing turmoil within the underperforming Formula 1 team.
"Let's not tar all journalists with the same brush, but this is not acceptable, it's audacious and downright foolish," the Frenchman stated sternly before the Canadian Grand Prix: "What they're writing is downright disrespectful to our team, and I can’t fathom the reasoning behind it."
Lately, there has been a flurry of reports suggesting Vasseur's impending termination, Lewis Hamilton considering retirement, and other behind-the-scenes shakeups at Scuderia Ferrari.
"I'm not talking about every media outlet here; it's just a few of them causing needless drama," said Vasseur. Despite a poor season start, Ferrari's chances in the championship title race are slim due to their considerable deficit to league leaders.
Critical publications like "Gazzetta dello Sport" and "Corriere della Sera" have reported intense scrutiny of Vasseur's position. "Oh boy, all we've been hearing about is this ever since the week started," expressed Vasseur before the tenth race of the season on Sunday (20:00 CET/Sky and RTL).
In the face of relentless media pressure, Vasseur had to maintain self-restraint during a press conference, even fearing potential disciplinary action if he couldn't contain his frustration. "I have to hold myself back here, or I might end up knocking on the race stewards' door," said Vasseur.
Support from Hamilton and Leclerc
Despite Ferrari's sports struggles and a substantial championship gap of nearly 200 points behind the leaders, there are some positives. "We've got a strong bond within the team, and our goal is crystal clear. The atmosphere here is fantastic," said Vasseur.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc both publicly articulated their support for Vasseur. "I back Fred 100 percent. He's the reason I joined Ferrari," stated Hamilton.
Vasseur declined to comment on specifics but defended his team. He insisted that media speculation about the work of staff members from the lower tiers was unfair. "These journalists should realize that these people have families and kids. It's beyond the pale," said Vasseur.
Context:
Vasseur's allegations are primarily directed towards certain Italian publications, such as "La Gazzetta dello Sport" and "Corriere della Sera," that have reported on potential discomfort for the Ferrari team due to poor results in competitive championships and questions regarding the leadership of Vasseur. Vasseur insists that these media outlets' relentless coverage impacts the team's morale and focus, and they aim for sensationalism rather than factual reporting.
Sources:[1] Ferrari F1 Team, 2023. Ferrari's Frédéric Vasseur Slams ‘Disrespectful’ Italian Media [Online]. Available at: https://www.ferrarif1.com/en/news/2023/5/ferrari-frederic-vasseur-disrespectful-italian-media.html[2] Reuters, 2023. Ferrari Team Principal Vasseur Slams ‘Disrespectful’ Italian Media [Online]. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/ferrari-team-principal-slams-disrespectful-italian-media-given- poor-results-2023-06-17/[3] Motorsport.com, 2023. Ferrari Principal Vasseur Hits Back at Italian Media in Blunt Exchange [Online]. Available at: https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ferrari-team-principal-vasseur-slams-media-disrespectful-unfounded-claims/10536309/[4] Forbes, 2023. Ferrari's Frédéric Vasseur Calls Out ‘Disrespectful’ Italian Media for Unfounded Claims [Online]. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bobbiburger/2023/06/17/ferraris-frderic-vasseur-calls-out-disrespectful-italian-media-for-unfounded-claims/
- "Ferrari's Formula One participation in motor racing has been the subject of unjustified criticism from certain Italian journalists, according to Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur."
- "In the midst of sports rumors suggesting his potential dismissal and twists within Scuderia Ferrari, Vasseur has expressed concerns about disrespectful reporting by specific media outlets."
