Ferrari Team Principal Fires Back at "Disrespectful" Media
Ferrari Team Leader Criticizes Media: 'Insolent' - Team leader at Ferrari admits he behaves disrespectfully towards reporters
Approximate reading time: 2 minutes
French Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur is firing back at Italian media outlets he deems "disrespectful and foolish" for spreading false information and causing unrest at the struggling Formula 1 team.
"It's inappropriate to slam all journalists, but this crap is insensitive and idiotic," the no-nonsense Vasseur said ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. "The misinformation they're peddling is disrespectful to our team—and I don't bloody well understand it!"
Lately, rumors about Vasseur's imminent dismissal, Lewis Hamilton's retirement, and other personnel changes at the Scuderia have caused a big stink.
"Basically, only a handful of media outlets are blowing things out of proportion, not the whole lot. It's not about me, I can take criticism," Vasseur barked. After a rough start to the season, Ferrari's chances of winning the championship—their initial goal—are dwindling.
Notoriously gossipy sports daily "Gazzetta dello Sport" and "Corriere della Sera" both reported that Vasseur's position would be under review. "Since the beginning of the week, all we've been talking about is this crap!" snarled Vasseur before the tenth race of the season on Sunday (20:00 CET, Sky and RTL).
The usually jovial team principal barely held his tongue during a press conference and even worried he might end up with the race stewards if he couldn't keep his cool. "I gotta watch my language here so I don't get slapped with a time-out," Vasseur growled.
Hamilton and Leclerc Stick by Their Boss
Despite the troubles on the track—with a nearly 200-point gap to leaders McLaren in the team championship—there are silver linings. "Our team chemistry is solid, and we've got a clear objective," Vasseur said.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc have both publicly backed Vasseur. "I wholly support Fred. He's the main reason I joined Ferrari," Hamilton stressed.
Vasseur declined to comment extensively but defended his employees. Reports critical of staff members at lower ranks rankled him, as he believes such criticism is misguided and disrespectful. "Those journalists should realize that these people have families and children—it's uncalled for!" Vasseur stressed.
Notes
- A wave of recent controversies has emerged between Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur and some Italian media outlets, centered around speculation about Vasseur's future with the team and his reaction to media reports.
- Italian media outlets, such as Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera, have reported that Vasseur might lose his job if Ferrari's results do not improve.
- Vasseur has launched a scathing attack on those media outlets, claiming they undermine the team's focus, demoralize team members, and are disrespectful, especially to those personnel with families and children.
- Vasseur is frustrated with journalists' tactics, suggesting that they contribute to Ferrari's championship drought and harm team morale.
- Ferrari itself has dismissed these reports as baseless, but the controversy underscores the pressure and scrutiny faced by key figures in Formula 1.
Ferrari's motor racing journey in Formula One is faced with challenges from disrespectful media reports, causing unrest in the team. Despite this, sports personalities like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc stand by Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, acknowledging his role in their careers.
Vasseur's repeated clashes with Italian media outlets, such as Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera, center around their coverage of his future with the team and their disregard for the impact of their reports on the commitment and morale of the team, including those with families and children.
