Jean Alesi Praises Fred Vasseur's Impact on Ferrari's Revival

Fred Vasseur has received accolades for reviving Ferrari's fortunes following a rough patch in 2025. The Frenchman took over as team principal from Mattia Binotto before the 2023 season, and by 2024, Ferrari had climbed to second in the constructors' standings, just behind McLaren. However, the following year was nothing short of a disaster for the Scuderia, as their car, the SF-25, failed to perform, and new recruit Lewis Hamilton struggled to find his footing. This left Ferrari trailing in fourth place behind Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren.

Fast forward to 2026, and Ferrari is showing signs of resurgence. Both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have already claimed podium finishes, suggesting that the team is on a more promising trajectory.

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi has been vocal about his admiration for Vasseur's efforts. In an interview with RacingNews365, Alesi expressed his satisfaction with the SF-26, calling it a 'real Ferrari car.' He remarked, "Last year was a catastrophe, and I wasn't shy about saying it. But now, they have started the season with a car that truly represents Ferrari, and I am very impressed."

Alesi acknowledged the challenges of leading a team like Ferrari, noting the complexity and pressure involved. "Being a team boss is incredibly complex, and at Ferrari, it's multiplied by 100," he said. He also highlighted Vasseur's ability to keep the team united despite criticism, which disrupted the team's balance last year. "Now, at the beginning of the season, it looks like Ferrari is on the right track," Alesi added.

Despite their improved start, Ferrari still finds itself chasing Mercedes, who have dominated the early races of 2026. Nevertheless, Ferrari is not resting on its laurels. Reports from Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that the team is accelerating its power unit upgrades, originally scheduled for July, with plans to implement them as soon as the Barcelona Grand Prix. Additionally, an aerodynamic and software package is set to debut at the Miami Grand Prix.

Ferrari is keen to close the gap to Mercedes, and with drivers like Leclerc and Hamilton at the helm, they are poised to challenge for victories. As the season progresses, Vasseur's leadership and the team's strategic upgrades will be crucial in determining whether Ferrari can truly compete on equal terms with their rivals.