While the Scuderia Ferrari is going through a turbulent phase on the Italian media scene, two strong voices have been raised to calm things down. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. In Montreal, where this weekend's Grand Prix de F1 of Canada, the two Scuderia drivers were keen to defend Frédéric Vasseur, their Team Principal, the target of numerous rumours in Italy.
For several days now, a section of the Italian press has been suggesting that Vasseur could be replaced at the end of the season. The backdrop: a series of results deemed disappointing in relation to the Scuderia's ambitions, currently trailing McLaren in the championship.
Leclerc: "We share a common vision
Surprised to learn that some media were saying he was ready to leave Ferrari, Charles Leclerc reacted firmly. " I'm very surprised. I never said that. I love this team and I want to take Ferrari back to the top. "said the Monegasque.
Concerning his Team Principal, Leclerc was clear: " The three of us share a common vision: Fred, Lewis and me. We've worked hard to put it all together. This is our plan, and we have to stick to it. "
Leclerc points out that pressure is constant at Maranello, but should not justify hasty decisions. " Second place is never good enough for Ferrari, but that's no reason to lose sight of our collective goal. "
Hamilton: "Fred's the man for the job
Arrived this season at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton wasted no time in finding its feet. And above all, to take a stand. At his press conference in Montreal, the seven-time world champion vigorously denounced rumours of Vasseur's departure.
" I love working with Fred. He's the reason I'm here. I want Fred to stay, and I'm convinced that he's the one who will take us to the top. "Hamilton did not mince his words, describing the speculation in the Italian press as ". fantasies "and pure inventions ".
" Most people don't know what goes on behind the scenes. What we do takes time, but the project is there. Change the boss now? That's not on the agenda. And if it were, I wouldn't support it. "
Full support for a project under construction
The two drivers agree on one essential point: Frédéric Vasseur's support is total. The Frenchman, who took over at the beginning of 2023, has made a number of decisive moves, such as recruiting Hamilton and replacing Enrico Cardile with Loïc Serra. These are long-term choices, designed for the post-2026 period, with the new technical regulations in sight.
Faced with the managerial volatility that has long characterized Ferrari, Hamilton and Leclerc call for stability. A statement that echoes our article published yesterday: " Does the Italian press already want Frédéric Vasseur's head? That would be a mistake!"
At Ferrari, pressure is in the DNA. Leclerc reminded us: " I think I've got used to the rumours. But we can't let them distract us from our objective: to win. "
As for Hamilton, he concluded firmly: " I've just started with Ferrari. I'm here for the long haul. And I'm here to win with Fred. "
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