Ex-driver stresses Ferrari need a strong technical leader after tough season
Riccardo Patrese has emphasised the need for strong technical leadership at Scuderia Ferrari following the team’s challenging 2025 season.
“Fred has seemed slow to react to difficulties so far.”- Riccardo Patrese
The 71-year-old former F1 driver, who shared his thoughts on Ferrari’s season, stated that current team principal Fred Vasseur appears unable to achieve the results the Italian outfit needs.
“We come from a championship where there were clear shortcomings in the Scuderia’s management. I’d prefer to avoid customisations, but Vasseur is certainly giving his all; he’s been there since January 2023, so he’s had time to build,” Patrese said via Quotidiano Nazionale.
The former Williams Racing driver further added that the 57-year-old appears slow to react to situations at the Maranello-based outfit.
“In general, Fred has seemed slow to react to difficulties so far. In F1, as in any top company, it’s essential to create a close-knit working group, and this is the team principal’s job.”
Patrese concluded by calling for leadership in the mould of Ross Brawn at the now-defunct Brawn GP team.
“Ferrari needs a strong technical leader. Like Ross Brawn? Yes, someone like that. Andrea Stella became one with McLaren, and for McLaren,” he said.
The Ferrari team endured a forgettable season in the recently concluded campaign. The Italian team failed to record any Grand Prix victories and could only manage fourth place in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship.
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