Ferrari Should Replace Fred Vasseur with Andrea Stella

Ferrari chairman John Elkann's recent public criticism of his drivers following a double DNF in Sao Paulo suggests deeper concerns within the team, extending beyond driver performance. Despite Fred Vasseur bringing stability, Ferrari hasn't achieved the consistent supremacy Elkann desires. McLaren's Andrea Stella, a seasoned engineer and proven team principal, is presented as the ideal candidate to lead a revolution at Maranello and return Ferrari to championship contention.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's long-standing quest for an F1 championship has been hampered by inconsistency, despite significant resources and talent. John Elkann's frustrations highlight the urgent need for a strategic shift. Appointing a leader like Andrea Stella, who has demonstrated a clear ability to transform a struggling team into a contender, could be the catalyst Ferrari needs to reclaim its dominance and satisfy its demanding chairman.

The Details:

• Elkann's Outbursts: Ferrari Chairman John Elkann publicly criticized his drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, stating they "need to focus on driving and talk less" after a double DNF in Sao Paulo.
• Previous Rant: This follows an earlier "unprecedented rant" by Elkann, which was framed as support for Vasseur, emphasizing "teamwork from everyone to maintain high concentration."
• Vasseur's Tenure: Fred Vasseur has brought calm and improved morale to Ferrari, enhancing communication, reliability, and strategy since early 2023. However, the team still lacks the final step towards consistent leadership and championship contention.
• Stella's Profile: Andrea Stella, an Italian engineer who began his F1 career at Ferrari alongside Schumacher, Raikkonen, and Alonso, later transformed McLaren into a competitive force within two years as Team Principal.
  • He reorganized departments, streamlined decision-making, and reignited belief at McLaren, which had struggled during the Honda engine era.
• Stella's Fit for Ferrari: Stella is seen as ideal due to his Italian heritage without being "trapped by Ferrari’s past," his engineering background, and his proven ability to achieve success with fewer resources than Ferrari possesses.

The big picture:

Ferrari, an iconic F1 team, has become an "also-ran" despite winning the WEC title. Elkann's frustration stems from a lack of consistent F1 supremacy. Vasseur has stabilized the team, but the ambition is to lead, not just chase. The author argues that Vasseur has created a foundation, but it will take a leader with Stella's proven transformative abilities to refine it and establish long-term dominance.

What's next:

The 2026 regulation reset presents a crucial opportunity for Ferrari to redefine its future. Installing new leadership now could ensure the team is at the forefront of this new era. The article suggests that if Elkann truly desires an "all-conquering team," he should consider replacing Vasseur with Stella to capitalize on Ferrari's resources and Stella's strategic vision.