Ferrari's Future: Elkann and Vigna Confront Challenges Amid Horner Speculations
Oct.10 - Ferrari's senior leadership has publicly intervened amid mounting turmoil inside Maranello - as fresh rumours connect ousted Red Bull boss Christian Horner to a future move to the Italian team.
After reports of emergency crisis talks between Ferrari chairman John Elkann, CEO Benedetto Vigna and team principal Frederic Vasseur, both Elkann and Vigna made rare public remarks during Ferrari's Capital Markets Day presentation.
Vigna directly addressed Ferrari's racing performance, conceding that the Scuderia has failed to meet expectations. "Our goal was to win races," he said.
"We achieved that with the 499P in endurance racing, but in Formula 1, we need to improve. We must win because it's our duty to our loyal fans around the world."
Elkann, meanwhile, framed his comments as a personal reaffirmation of faith in Ferrari's identity and its people. "I am committed as chairman, as majority shareholder, and above all in the name of a lifelong passion of mine - my passion for Ferrari," he declared.
"We will continue to invest, to innovate and build. We will continue to attract and train extraordinary people and will continue to demonstrate, year after year, the uniqueness of Ferrari."
The comments follow weeks of intensifying speculation about renewed instability inside the team. Charles Leclerc's management has hinted he could leave after 2026, while Oscar Piastri has been linked with a potential Ferrari seat for 2027.
Despite Vasseur's recent contract renewal, sources in Italy and Germany report that confidence in his leadership is "fragile" after another inconsistent season.
According to f1-insider.com journalist Ralf Bach, Elkann is already exploring alternatives - including Horner, who recently finalised his Red Bull exit package and reportedly accepted a lower payout.
Bach wrote: "It's clear why Horner is doing this. He wants to avoid the trial because he's currently looking for a job, maybe even getting one. If he really sees an opportunity at Ferrari, what just happened makes perfect sense."
He added: "Despite the contract extension, Ferrari apparently wants to get rid of Vasseur, and John Elkann is apparently really focused on securing Christian Horner."
Bach warned that such a move could also complicate any future Ferrari approach for Max Verstappen, whose inner circle fell out with Horner last year.
"They're apparently unaware that they're closing the door for Verstappen," he said.
"Horner has 14 world championship titles on his resume. Elkann is considered a very emotional guy who isn't interested in what he thought yesterday, but rather what he thinks today."
7 F1 Fan comments on “Ferrari's Future: Elkann and Vigna Confront Challenges Amid Horner Speculations”
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Max should not even think about Ferrari. I don’t the culture therev would suit him or his driving skills.
To become drivers champion with Ferrari is the ultimate dream for every F1 driver. Alonso and Vettel tried to accomplish it, but failed.
I think Verstappen is the only one who has the balls to really have a chance.
Prost and Mansell tried aswell
They probably need Horner as a hatchet man to sort the wheat from the chaff. He would need to be made a part owning managing director but I was under the impression he and his family want to live in England.
I very nearly posted the exact same thoughts a few days ago, Fred might be ok....., but ok isnt enough but Horner is a winner, a monster, i get the impression Fred just shruggs his shoulders, whereas Horny would scream and throw something, but yes Italy might be the sticking point, oh and talking of wheat and chaff, hed have to sack the Dame and get Carlos back
The prospect of running Ferrari might persuade him to move and a little scandal has never worried the Italians. JE has to many other responsibilities.
Re Carlos,I have never understood why they got rid of him in the first place but I think Ferrari would have to prove they can find that extra half second first. All that bringing in Lewis has done is prove that it’s their cars and team that are lacking. Lewis can’t sack even his own engineer despite the obvious animosity.
Horner would have had the brakes on Lewis’s car changed within days, who ever heard of the brakes failing on a F1 car these days! And don’t say it.
If these are our thoughts on Horner and Ferrari is it inevitable and just a matter of time?