Williams Team Principal James Vowles offered a direct defence of Ferrari counterpart Fred Vasseur during Friday’s pre-Bahrain Grand Prix press conference in Malaysia. Vasseur has faced increasing criticism regarding Ferrari’s performance during the current 2026 Formula 1 season.
Vowles interrupted a question directed at Vasseur to express his support. He highlighted Ferrari’s current standing in the Constructors’ Championship and their technical advancements.
Vowles stated, ‘Normally, we beat each other up and put knives in our backs. But Ferrari is in the best place it’s been in the championship for a while.’
He further noted Ferrari’s innovation on the SF-26 car this year, specifically mentioning the rear wing and exhaust blowing. Vowles remarked that other teams have subsequently copied these designs.
Ferrari introduced a novel rear winglet, or blown exhaust flap, on the SF-26 during pre-season testing in Bahrain. This design aims to harness hot exhaust gases to generate additional rear downforce.
The FIA reviewed the design and deemed it compliant with the 2026 regulations. This technical solution has been a key performance differentiator for Ferrari.
Despite these innovations, Ferrari currently holds second place in the 2026 Constructors’ Championship with 378 points. Mercedes leads the standings with 538 points.
Ferrari’s performance has seen a decline in recent races, failing to secure a podium finish since the Belgian Grand Prix in July. This has intensified scrutiny on Vasseur’s leadership.
Lewis Hamilton, now a Ferrari driver, has also publicly supported Vasseur. Hamilton described Vasseur as a ‘fantastic leader’ and ‘the guy to take this team in the right direction.’
However, Hamilton also suggested that the team’s long-standing structure, including ‘people above Fred,’ might require review. He indicated that the issues are not solely attributable to one individual.
Speculation surrounding Vasseur’s position intensified following comments from former Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, who expressed interest in leading Ferrari without an equity stake.
In response to the growing rumours, Ferrari issued a statement reaffirming its ‘full confidence’ in Vasseur earlier this week. The team emphasised the need for unity and focus.
Vasseur addressed the situation, stating that the external ‘noise and rumours’ were disrupting the team’s serenity. He deemed the confidence statement ‘mandatory’ to ensure stability.
The 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia is being held at the Sepang International Circuit from October 2-4. The event was relocated due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Williams, Vowles’ team, currently sits ninth in the Constructors’ standings with 12 points. They have faced challenges this season, including an overweight car.
The team introduced a significant weight-saving upgrade at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which helped Carlos Sainz secure a point. Williams finished fifth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship.
