Charles Leclerc has praised Frederic Vasseur for transforming the culture at Ferrari since his appointment as team principal in January 2023. Vasseur’s direct and pragmatic approach is a departure from the previous regime under Mattia Binotto, which faced criticism for both performance issues and repeated errors.
Vasseur’s leadership style, characterized by a no-nonsense attitude towards complacency, has been a breath of fresh air for the Scuderia. Leclerc notes that the team now acknowledges mistakes more swiftly and addresses issues more effectively. “People have more responsibilities and are better positioned to perform at their best, which is a positive change,” Leclerc.
One notable example of this shift was Ferrari’s handling of the floor upgrade introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix. The upgrade led to unexpected bouncing, but Vasseur’s team quickly identified and addressed the problem. “It took us three or four races, but everyone acknowledged the weaknesses of the new design,” Leclerc explained. “In the past, it might not have been as straightforward to address such issues.”
Leclerc acknowledges that Ferrari’s high profile and the intense scrutiny it attracts can amplify any problems. “Whenever something happens at Ferrari, it creates more of a stir compared to other teams,” he said. Despite recent challenges, including the departure of technical director Enrico Cardile to Aston Martin, Leclerc remains confident in Vasseur’s vision.
Leclerc emphasizes his complete trust in Vasseur’s management, stating, “I have 200% confidence in Fred’s approach. Although we need to resolve the situation with Cardile, Fred is handling it well, and I believe it won’t negatively impact the team in the long run.”
Overall, Leclerc’s comments reflect a positive sentiment towards Vasseur’s leadership and the team’s ability to overcome challenges while striving for improvement.
