Will Buxton Warns Ferrari Against Replacing Fred Vasseur With Christian Horner

Formula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton has warned Ferrari that replacing team principal Fred Vasseur with Christian Horner would be "absolutely ludicrous." The warning comes amid intense paddock speculation surrounding the former Red Bull chief's future, which gained momentum after Horner told The Times that Ferrari was the only team he would consider joining without an equity stake.

In response to the increased speculation, Ferrari issued an official statement reaffirming its "full confidence" in Vasseur's leadership and his team. However, speaking on the Up To Speed podcast alongside former F1 driver David Coulthard, Buxton noted that such public declarations often signal trouble, suggesting that receiving full backing from a board typically means an individual's tenure is nearing its end.

Despite his concerns based on Ferrari's history of making unexpected decisions, Buxton expressed hope that the team will maintain its current path. He emphasized that throwing away Vasseur's hard work at this stage would be a mistake, adding that he strongly hopes Ferrari will stick with Vasseur and see the project through.

Vasseur joined Ferrari in 2023, replacing Mattia Binotto as team principal. Under his leadership, the team finished third in the constructors' championship in 2023 and second in 2024—just 14 points behind McLaren—before slipping to fourth in 2025. Ferrari currently holds second place in the 2026 constructors' championship behind Mercedes.