In Italy, there is increasingly vocal criticism of Frederic Vasseur's leadership. Local newspapers are now reporting on the French team leader's imminent departure —possibly as early as the summer break—and now a prominent politician is weighing in on the F1 team.
Initially, stories circulated that Christian Horner (Red Bull Racing) was in the picture at Ferrari. However, the Ferrari team denies that Vasseur is leaving and claims it's all media fabrications. Nevertheless, the rumours haven't subsided. In fact, leading politicians are now getting involved.
Ignazio La Russa, president of the Italian Senate, actually wants Flavio Briatore to take on the role of team leader at Ferrari. "Flavio is a good friend of mine, whatever he has done, he has always done it very well," La Russa told La Politica nel Pallone.
"However, I don't think that a great manager would be enough to manage Ferrari at this moment."
Can Briatore save Ferrari?
“I believe - I don’t deal much with engines, unlike my son - that much more is needed than just replacing a team manager.”
Nonetheless, La Russa thinks that Briatore could make a difference at Ferrari. "He's not just capable of growth, but also of getting things done," said the politician.
Briatore is currently working as the interim team leader of Alpine, which, since his appointment, has dropped to last place in the championship. Moreover, it was the Italian who sidelined Jack Doohan early on and replaced him with Franco Colapinto. This Argentine has yet to impress at the French racing team.
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