Ferrari’s Antonello Coletta emerges as favorite to replace Fred Vasseur amid F1 2025 pressure and Le Mans disqualification fallout.
Introduction
When things start going wrong, eyes turn to the top. And right now, all eyes are on Fred Vasseur—Ferrari’s current Formula 1 team principal. With whispers swirling through the paddock and the garage walls no longer able to keep secrets, a familiar name has emerged as the most likely successor: Antonello Coletta, the man steering Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) efforts.
But how did we get here? And why is the Ferrari camp suddenly so full of tension, headlines, and—most recently—disqualification drama at Le Mans? Let’s unpack the buzz surrounding Coletta’s rise and what it might mean for Ferrari’s future.
Table of Contents
| Sr# | Headings |
|---|---|
| 1 | Who is Antonello Coletta? |
| 2 | Fred Vasseur’s Ferrari Journey So Far |
| 3 | The Christian Horner Curveball |
| 4 | Why Vasseur’s Seat Is Heating Up |
| 5 | Ferrari’s Frustration with Rumors |
| 6 | Le Mans 24 Hours Controversy |
| 7 | Coletta’s Triumphs in WEC |
| 8 | What Makes Coletta a Strong Candidate? |
| 9 | Comparing Leadership Styles: Vasseur vs. Coletta |
| 10 | The Future of Ferrari in Formula 1 |
| 11 | Fan Reactions to the Possible Change |
| 12 | What Happens if Coletta Takes Over? |
| 13 | How Ferrari’s Recent Struggles Shape the Decision |
| 14 | Could This Be a Long-Term Fix or Short-Term Patch? |
| 15 | Conclusion and What to Watch Next |
1. Who is Antonello Coletta?
Antonello Coletta has been quietly building Ferrari’s dominance—but not in Formula 1. As head of Ferrari’s WEC program, he led the team to victory in the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours, a feat that returned Ferrari to the top step of endurance racing after decades. He’s known for being cool under pressure, strategic, and someone who understands Ferrari’s racing DNA.
2. Fred Vasseur’s Ferrari Journey So Far
Fred Vasseur took over the helm in December 2022 following the exit of Mattia Binotto. While he arrived with solid credentials from Alfa Romeo and a history of success in junior categories, Vasseur has struggled to bring consistency to Ferrari’s F1 team. The 2025 season has only added fuel to the fire, with underwhelming performances and technical setbacks.
3. The Christian Horner Curveball
What really stirred the pot was a report claiming Ferrari approached Red Bull boss Christian Horner about potentially joining the Scuderia. While Horner remains tight-lipped, insiders suggest the approach was real—but ultimately fruitless. The fact Ferrari considered such a bold move highlights how unstable the current leadership situation may be.
4. Why Vasseur’s Seat Is Heating Up
Ferrari has had a rocky start in 2025. Race strategy errors, reliability issues, and a lack of clear leadership on the pit wall have frustrated fans and drivers alike. Vasseur is feeling the heat—not just from the media, but internally too. Performance is king in F1, and Ferrari’s crown is slipping.
5. Ferrari’s Frustration with Rumors
Vasseur recently slammed the speculation, saying he didn’t want to “waste time” dealing with it. He expressed disappointment in the rumors, claiming they drag the entire team’s focus down. “Throwing everyone into the mud,” as he put it, doesn’t help build a winning environment. But in F1, when the gossip gains traction, it’s often more than just smoke.
6. Le Mans 24 Hours Controversy
Adding salt to Ferrari’s open wounds, the team’s #50 car was disqualified at Le Mans 2024 for a flexi-wing breach. The decision came after Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen finished fourth. Ferrari insists no performance advantage was gained, but the disqualification still stung—especially after winning the same race just a year ago.
7. Coletta’s Triumphs in WEC
Under Coletta’s leadership, Ferrari’s endurance racing branch has been transformed. The highlight was their sensational win at Le Mans in 2023, defeating factory-backed teams like Toyota and Porsche. His ability to rebuild and lead a team through regulation changes and fierce competition stands as a testament to his managerial acumen.
8. What Makes Coletta a Strong Candidate?
Coletta understands Ferrari from the inside out. He’s been with the brand for over two decades and has seen the politics, the pressure, and the passion. He commands respect within Maranello and beyond. His WEC successes show he knows how to win—and how to do it within the structure and constraints of Ferrari.
9. Comparing Leadership Styles: Vasseur vs. Coletta
Vasseur is more relaxed, often seen joking in the paddock, while Coletta is strategic and deliberate. Where Vasseur leans on delegation, Coletta is known to be hands-on. Their contrasting styles offer a peek into what Ferrari might be missing—a structured, calm, and methodical leader like Coletta.
10. The Future of Ferrari in Formula 1
If Coletta does take over, Ferrari might benefit from a unifying figure capable of aligning the factory, the drivers, and the technical departments. Ferrari’s 2026 power unit plans, regulation changes, and driver contracts all demand solid leadership. The next twelve months are critical, and Coletta could be the man to guide them.
11. Fan Reactions to the Possible Change
Fans are torn. Some argue Vasseur hasn’t had enough time to build “his” Ferrari, while others say a change is overdue. Coletta’s track record offers hope, but fans are weary of the constant leadership roulette at Maranello.
12. What Happens if Coletta Takes Over?
Expect a quiet revolution. Coletta isn’t flashy. He won’t make headlines with bold statements, but changes in strategy, operations, and team morale would come swiftly. His WEC team has often been described as a “well-oiled machine”—just what Ferrari’s F1 team currently lacks.
13. How Ferrari’s Recent Struggles Shape the Decision
It’s not just one poor season—it’s years of near-misses, strategy errors, and high turnover. The Le Mans DQ, the Horner rejection, and a winless stretch in 2025 all paint a clear picture: Ferrari needs stability and someone who can connect all racing arms of the company.
14. Could This Be a Long-Term Fix or Short-Term Patch?
Coletta isn’t a flashy interim figure. If he steps into the F1 team principal role, it will likely be a long-term commitment. Ferrari needs to stop playing musical chairs and start building for the future. His internal promotion would also signal a shift to more sustainable, home-grown leadership.
15. Conclusion and What to Watch Next
Whether Fred Vasseur survives the year or not, one thing is clear—Ferrari is at a crossroads. The disqualification at Le Mans, the failed Christian Horner attempt, and the mounting F1 struggles have all set the stage for change. And right now, Antonello Coletta looks like the next man in line to steer the Prancing Horse.
FAQs
1. Why is Fred Vasseur under pressure at Ferrari?
Ferrari’s poor performances in the 2025 season and strategic mishaps have led to scrutiny over Vasseur’s leadership.
2. What role does Antonello Coletta currently have at Ferrari?
He is the head of Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) operations.
3. Did Ferrari really approach Christian Horner?
Yes, credible sources suggest Ferrari made an approach, but Horner declined.
4. Why was Ferrari disqualified from Le Mans 24 Hours 2024?
The #50 car was disqualified for a technical infringement related to a flexi-wing, despite Ferrari claiming no performance gain.
5. Will Antonello Coletta actually replace Vasseur?
While not confirmed, Coletta is the current favorite and widely seen as a strong candidate if Ferrari makes a leadership change.
