Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has been admitted to a local hospital and will miss the qualifying session at the Monaco Grand Prix. Vasseur was present at the track on Friday, where Ferrari performed impressively, securing first and second places in both practice sessions. However, a statement was released on Saturday, indicating that he is under observation and will not be attending the circuit.
The 58-year-old has led Ferrari since the beginning of this year. The team’s announcement said, “Fred Vasseur will not be at the track today. After some medical tests, he will stay at a nearby medical facility for observation.” They added, “We wish Fred a quick recovery and hope to see him back soon.”
Vasseur had engaged with the media on Friday after Lewis Hamilton showcased strong performance in the second practice, finishing ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc. He was seen leaving the track later that evening.
Ferrari comes into the Monaco Grand Prix as a favorite, thanks to their vehicle’s design, which is well-suited to the unique slow and medium-speed corners of the Monte Carlo circuit. Vasseur had noted, “We have a lot of work ahead. It’s a long journey from Friday to qualifying and the actual race. Anticipating how the track will change and the grip levels is crucial. You have to stay ahead of the curve, which poses a challenge for both teams and drivers.”
The last time Ferrari clinched a Grand Prix victory was back in October 2024, and Hamilton is eager for his first win since joining the team. He remarked, “Overall, it was a positive day. The car felt good from the start, and we managed to address issues between the sessions without major problems.”
Hamilton acknowledged the unique challenges of racing in Monaco, saying, “It’s always different here, with the bumps and tight barriers. Finding the right balance is tough, and there’s still room for improvement. Tonight, we will focus on the details, as every little bit counts for qualifying.”
Ferrari fans will be eager to see how the team performs despite the absence of their principal as qualifying approaches.
