Toto Wolff says Ferrari would have been "stupid" if they reinforced this decision instead of renewing Fred Vasseur's contract

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff once again backed Ferrari's Frederic Vasseur after the team announced his contract extension. Wolff mentioned that any other choice (other than keeping him) would have been "stupid," considering his strengths as the team boss.

Vasseur has been working as Ferrari's team principal since 2023, after Mattia Binotto. Under him, the team has witnessed multiple victories and a very successful 2024 season campaign. However, after their performance began declining this year, rumors floated that he might be sacked from the position. However, the team announced his extension shortly after.

Reacting to the same, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff mentioned that it was the best decision with regard to the team. He also stated that any other decision would have been "stupid."

"Any other choice would have been really stupid," Wolff said. "I’ve known Fred since we were in our twenties, and I know how valuable he is as a motorsport man, I know his entrepreneurial vision and strength."

He added:

"Having someone like him on your team is a privilege, and we must remember how long it takes to build a successful project in F1."

Vasseur has showcased his brilliant work with the team in last year's performance. Moreover, he was also said to be one of the reasons for Lewis Hamilton's signing to the Scuderia, considering the duo had previously worked together.

However, Hamilton hasn't been performing as expected with Ferrari. He has mostly raced within the midfield and has struggled to put the car on top on most occasions. But Vasseur believes that he can get back up by himself.

---

Fred Vasseur finds no reason to motivate Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton had two consecutive disappointing qualifying sessions in Belgium and Hungary, as he suffered early exits. During the weekend in Hungary, he was seemingly dejected and also mentioned that the team needed to change the driver, considering the other car, piloted by Charles Leclerc, was in pole position.

Frederic Vasseur, talking about his situation, claimed that he did not need to motivate Hamilton. He also suggested that he was more frustrated than demotivated.

"I don't need to motivate him, honestly," Vasseur said. "He's frustrated but not demotivated, it's a completely different story."

Vasseur further stated that the drivers can be rather heated right after getting out of the car, and hence the harsh comments during the race weekend.

"I can understand the frustration, but we are all frustrated and sometimes if you ask me, I can't say this, I will go to the stewards," he added. "But sometimes just after the race, or just after the Quali, you are very disappointed and the reaction, the first reaction is harsh, but we all know that we are pushing in the same direction."

Lewis Hamilton is expected to improve after the summer break. Ferrari still holds the second place in the Constructors' Championship; however, Mercedes is in contention to battle them.