AUSTIN, Texas – Charles Leclerc hopes his podium finish at the United States Grand Prix will silence speculation about the future of Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.
Ferrari has had a disappointing season, with no grand prix wins and only six podiums in 19 races this year.
The race weekend in Austin began amid rumors that Vasseur could be replaced by former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner next year, something Lewis Hamilton called “a distraction”.
Speaking on Friday in Washington D.C., Ferrari CEO John Elkann felt the need to reiterate his support for his team principal despite having signed Vasseur to a new contract less than three months ago.
Speaking on Sunday evening, Leclerc said that Ferrari could be proud to have achieved a podium finish amid the rumors and speculation.
“I am very happy. I am very happy because obviously we had the problem with the gearbox [during Friday’s practice], which cost us a few laps, which meant that we were a bit behind trying to recover in the sprint qualifying and the sprint race. “And then, in the classification, we made some adjustments, we found much more performance, and today was a very good race for us.” Ferrari hasn’t had a winless season since 2021, but despite the podium boost on Sunday, Leclerc doubts a win is possible in the last five races of 2025. “I still want to believe that we can win a race before the end of the season, but then again, I think we need to be realistic about our situation,” he said. “And I don’t think we have the car to do it. I think this weekend has been the perfect weekend for the team.” “I would be surprised if we can achieve something better by the end of the year. We will take it race by race and see what can be done.”“The second part of the season hasn’t been easy, with unfounded noise and rumors surrounding the team,” he said. “I think that showing that in those kinds of situations we can stay focused on the work and be rewarded with a podium is a very pleasant feeling.”
Charles Leclerc
