Wolff: If Vasseur wins, he’s Jesus Christ. If not, he’s a loser

Speaking to select media, including GRANDPRIX247, Mercedes F1 boss Wolff offered rare public support for a rival and friend, Vasseur, amid growing pressure on the Frenchman triggered by Ferrari’s inconsistent 2025 campaign.

Wolff said: “Fred is one of the best managers I know. If I hadn’t been at Mercedes, I would have definitely hired him. I have a lot of respect for him. He’s a great personality.”

Ferrari currently sits second in the Constructors’ Championship, but the position flatters their performance. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have repeatedly criticised the SF-25’s lack of competitiveness, with both drivers often unable to challenge for podiums on merit. As a result, speculation has emerged that Vasseur’s job could be under threat.

Wolff believes the criticism is premature and reflects a wider problem in how top teams are managed under pressure: “It seems like a bit of a revolving door. In Formula 1, you can’t buy time, even though that’s exactly what team management needs to succeed.

He continued: "Look at us, this is the third year in a row we haven’t fought for titles. When things go wrong, no one questions whether the CEO is still doing a good job.”

Wolff urged Ferrari to allow Vasseur and new technical director Loïc Serra to lay the foundations for long-term success: “Give him space. Let him do his thing. Let them implement structure. Even if it doesn’t bring immediate results, they need time. Loïc has only been there six or seven months.”

Wolff acknowledged the unique intensity of the Ferrari role and the media scrutiny that comes with it: “Fred is clear, doesn’t do politics or lies, and knows exactly what he’s talking about. But he needs to be trusted to run that team. In Italy, it’s a bit like managing the national football team.

"If he wins, he’s Jesus Christ. If not, he’s a loser. That’s how Italy is, it’s the passion. Maybe he needs to embrace that a bit more. But beyond that, they won’t find someone better to run Ferrari," added the Mercedes F1 boss.

Wolff’s message to Maranello was clear: Vasseur has the pedigree and principles to lead Ferrari—what he needs now is time, not doubt.