Vasseur outlines plan as Elkann backs new deal

Ferrari president John Elkann has given his public backing to Frederic Vasseur, following confirmation that the Frenchman will remain team boss on a new multi-year contract.

Making a rare paddock appearance in Hungary, Elkann dismissed speculation that Vasseur might be replaced and instead highlighted the team's recent progress.

"Fred has helped Ferrari make progress in recent years," he told Sky Italia. "We finished second in the team standings last year and were close to winning the world championship title. This year, we are also second.

"It's important to empower someone when they're making progress. The value of working with Fred lies precisely in the desire to keep going and constantly improve. That's the right attitude."

Elkann added: "When you have a momentum of improvement, it's very important not only to provide stability but also the confidence to be able to do more."

Vasseur, speaking publicly for the first time since the announcement, said: "In F1, there's no magic - it's all in the details. At the start of the season, we had to make some concessions and lost our development pace. But now we're back on the right track."

He continued: "Building a team takes time and patience. It takes two or three years to have the right people, and then one or two to get results. There are no shortcuts.

"We're building the foundations well and will soon announce new additions."

Meanwhile, former Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto, now leading Audi's F1 project, contrasted Ferrari's culture with his new environment.

"Everything is a little more spontaneous at Ferrari," he told Sport Bild. "In Switzerland, a detailed concept is developed for every idea, which is strictly adhered to. I like that."

As for Elkann, he concluded: "At Ferrari, it's not the individual who is decisive, but the sum of many who, in their own way, are all extraordinary. Only when we are able to work well together, be coordinated and cohesive, can we achieve great things."]]>