Günther Steiner praises Ferrari for its decision to stick with team boss Frederic Vasseur—he believes the Scuderia is on the right track
Günther Steiner is certain that Frederic Vasseur needs time at Ferrari and should help shape the era starting with the 2026 Formula 1 season and its new technical regulations. The former Haas team boss considers the Italians to be a strong team that has established itself in second place in the constructors’ championship behind McLaren – ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull. Vasseur and Ferrari only extended their contract in July 2025.
Steiner told Web.de: “It was the right decision. It takes years for a team to gel. And Ferrari is currently second in the constructors’ championship. Maybe that doesn’t quite meet the expectations of Ferrari’s management, who are dreaming of the world title, but realistically speaking, the team is strong.”
“And now to throw Fred out? That would be wrong,” he clarifies. “Then the next guy comes along, says he has to rebuild everything, and needs another two years’ grace period. Fred must now be given the chance to help shape 2026. Only then will we see if it works.”
Consistency and calm in Maranello could be the key to success. Vasseur himself believes this too: “I think it’s a long process. That applies to us, but also to Formula 1 as a whole: if you want to win, you need consistency in your personnel – both in terms of recruitment and management. This is particularly important when it comes to recruiting, because new people are still joining the team. That’s good for the future, because stability is the key.”
John Elkann is the chairman of Ferrari and would like to see the Scuderia back at the top of the premier class. “We are on the same page because, first of all, we are continuing together and, secondly, we are in second place,” said Vasseur. “Eight teams on the grid would like to be in second place; people sometimes forget that.”
“Our goal is not to be second, but first,” Vasseur continued. “We’re trying to get closer to McLaren, but that’s a challenge.” But in Formula 1, the tide can turn quickly: the formerly dominant Red Bull team is now only in fourth place, with Mercedes in third. McLaren has suddenly taken the helm.
“We’re not that far off in the race, but we need to get closer in qualifying because it’s difficult when you start from further back,” Vasseur explains Ferrari’s next goal. “But we’re getting closer step by step.”
