Ferrari has announced Fred Vasseur as its new Formula 1 team principal from January 2023 following the team’s split with Mattia Binotto.
Binotto resigned from his role last month despite Ferrari downplaying reports his future was at risk, with Vasseur immediately identified as the preferred successor.
The Frenchman has been team boss of Sauber – who races as Alfa Romeo – since 2017, guiding the Swiss-based outfit to sixth place in the constructors’ championship this season – its best overall finish in the V6 hybrid era.
But on Tuesday morning, Sauber issued a statement revealing Vasseur would leave the team at the start of next year, paving way for him to move to Ferrari.
And after weeks of speculation, Ferrari confirmed that it had appointed Vasseur as team principal and general manger, starting his post on January 9.
“We are delighted to welcome Fred Vasseur to Ferrari as our Team Principal,” said Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna.
“Throughout his career he has successfully combined his technical strengths as a trained engineer with a consistent ability to bring out the best in his drivers and teams. This approach and his leadership are what we need to push Ferrari forward with renewed energy.”
Vasseur’s arrival will see him link up with former driver Charles Leclerc, with the pair previously working together in GP3 and Leclerc’s rookie season at Sauber in 2018.
While it is understood the decision to leave Sauber was a difficult decision, Vasseur felt the opportunity to lead Ferrari’s F1 project was too difficult to turn down.
“I am truly delighted and honoured to take over the leadership of Scuderia Ferrari as Team Principal,” Vasseur said.
“As someone who has always held a lifelong passion for motorsport, Ferrari has always represented the very pinnacle of the racing world to me.
“I look forward to working with the talented and truly passionate team in Maranello to honour the history and heritage of the Scuderia and deliver for our Tifosi around the world”.
Vasseur’s departure from Sauber has left the team in search of a replacement as it prepares for its take over by Audi in 2026.
Reports suggest Andreas Seidl will step down as team boss at McLaren after four seasons to lead Sauber’s F1 operation before it becomes Audi, which would see Seidl reunited with the Volkswagen Group after his stint at Porsche in WEC.
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