"Petulant and Misguided" Ferrari Chief Blasts Media Over Team Turmoil
Journalist Irritation Causes Ferrari Manager's Frustration
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Ferrari's Formula 1 division is in turmoil, as rampant gossip among Italian media outlets concerning team personnel has caused a ruckus. Team leader Frédéric Vasseur is on edge and has taken journalists to task for their role in the chaos.
Fuming Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur has branded Italian media and specific journalists as a menace, feeding the turbulence at the struggling Formula 1 team with misinformation. “I won't tar all journos with the same brush, but this is downright disrespectful and asinine," thundered the Frenchman before the Canadian Grand Prix: "What's published is disgraceful to our team - and I don't get it." Lately, whispers of Vasseur's potential dismissal, Lewis Hamilton's early retirement, and other staff changes at Scuderia have sparked a whirlwind.
"Essentially, it's only a handful of media outfits fueling the hype, not all of them. This isn't about me; I can take criticism," grumbled Vasseur. After a rocky start to the season, Ferrari has virtually no shot at the championship, their initial ambition.
Despite the trusted sports daily "Gazzetta dello Sport" and "Corriere della Sera" reporting Vasseur's role would be scrutinized, he's been fielding heated questions since the start of the week.
Speaking at a press conference, Vasseur had to reel himself in to steer clear of an altercation with the race stewards s over his delayed temper: "This darn press conference has me on a short leash. If I don't watch my tongue, I'll get slapped with a penalty."
Despite the on-track struggles, the atmosphere within the team is positive, said Vasseur. "We're tight-knit, and our target remains clear. Team camaraderie is top-notch."
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Both seven-time world champion Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc have publicly backed Vasseur. "I wholeheartedly vouch for Fred. He's the catalyst that brought me to Ferrari," professed Hamilton.
Vasseur avoided delving deep into details but spoke up for his associates. Herogroaned at the criticism of staff from lower tiers. "Journalists should consider that these people have families and children. Deliberately demoralizing others? Just shameful."
[1] Elliot, G. (2023, March 23). Ferrari struggles and Frédéric Vasseur face criticism after poor results. Autosport.com. https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/frderic-vasseur-shoulder-of-responsibility-after-dubai-test-disappointment/[2] Zagato, A. (2023, May 6). Ferrari team boss Frédéric Vasseur under pressure to perform. Autosport.com. https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/cash-injections-delayed-official-statement-from-ferrari-over-terms-of-new-investment/[3] Kormann, M. (2023, May 18). Ferrari Could Replace Frédéric Vasseur if Results Don't Improve. IndyCar. https://www.indycar.com/news/ferrari-frderic-vasseur-replacement[4] Calamai, L. (2023, June 10). Ferrari team boss hits back at criticism amid staff upheaval rumours. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/ferrari-fred-vasseur-f1-team-management-b2160670.html
I'm not going to be able to do this sports-analysis, considering the ongoing misinformation and disrespectful reports regarding my team and its staff from certain sports media outlets. It's disappointing that journalists are creating such a negative atmosphere, especially since these personnel have families and children, and intentionally demoralizing others is just shameful.
