Formula 1 News: Ferrari shifts to 2026 car as Vasseur renewed (Update)

As Formula 1 teams arrive in Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ferrari announced a multi-year contract extension for team boss Fred Vasseur.

“Fred joined the Scuderia at the beginning of 2023, bringing with him extensive motorsport experience and a proven ability to develop talent and build competitive teams across all levels of racing,” Ferrari said in a statement.

“Since then, he has laid a solid foundation with the ambition of returning Ferrari to the top of Formula 1.

“Renewing Fred’s contract reflects Ferrari’s determination to build on the foundations laid so far. His ability to lead under pressure, embrace innovation, and pursue performance aligns fully with Ferrari’s values and long-term ambitions.

“Under Fred’s leadership, Scuderia Ferrari HP is united, focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

“The trust placed in him reflects the team’s confidence in its strategic direction and reinforces a shared determination to deliver the results that Ferrari’s fans, drivers, and team members expect and deserve.”

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna hailed the multi-year agreement.

“Today we want to recognize what has been built and commit to what still needs to be achieved,” said Vigna.

“It reflects our trust in Fred’s leadership — a trust rooted in shared ambition, mutual expectations and clear responsibility.

“We move forward with determination and focus, united in our pursuit of the level of performance Ferrari has to aim for.”

Vasseur said he was “grateful for the trust” Ferrari placed in him.

“This renewal is not just a confirmation — it’s a challenge to keep progressing, to stay focused, and to deliver,” he said.

“Over the past 30 months, we’ve laid strong foundations, and now we must build on them with consistency and determination.

“We know what’s expected, and we’re all fully committed to meeting those expectations and taking the next step forward together.”

(GMM) Ferrari is set to retain team boss Frederic Vasseur (pictured) through at least 2026, as the Maranello team winds down in-season car development to shift focus onto the new Formula 1 regulations coming next year.

Swiss newspaper Blick reported this week: “Ferrari has apparently discovered a new virtue – patience. The Maranello team intends to extend the contract with team boss Fred Vasseur (57) during the summer break.”

The timing is favorable for Vasseur, with Ferrari’s recent upgrade – a new rear suspension introduced at Spa – helping Charles Leclerc to third place. Although teammate Lewis Hamilton endured a poor weekend, the team insists the development decision was right.

“I think we need to finish the fine-tuning,” said Vasseur. “We knew it would be tough to work with the new features on a sprint weekend, but we didn’t want to delay their introduction until Budapest.

“Yes, on Friday we weren’t able to do a proper long run and get some benchmarks, but I still think it was a good decision to bring the new stuff as it was preparation for the round in Hungary.”

Vasseur admitted the team is now shifting its priorities: “All the teams are in the same situation. The closer you get to the end of the season, the more you focus on next year.

“We will still have a few minor updates related to the track, the weather or something else, but there will be no major new features.”

His deputy, Jerome D’Ambrosio – a former F1 driver from Belgium – joined Ferrari after beginning his management career as Toto Wolff’s deputy at Mercedes.

“For any motorsport enthusiast, Ferrari is a brand that represents a large part of the history of Formula 1 and the automobile,” D’Ambrosio told RTBF.

“The first day, when you arrive at Ferrari, it’s special. In Maranello, you arrive in a city that lives around the team. It’s unique. When you have a coffee there, we talk about the last race or the weekend with a lot of passion.”

He added: “I love what I do, I love working with Fred and the whole team. Winning behind the wheel or from the wall is the same feeling. I’m very happy to have gone from one side of the barrier to the other without feeling a lack.”