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In the past, the Formula 1 operation was Ferrari's undisputed priority. Today, however, the focus appears to have shifted decisively toward road-car sales—an issue that simply signing figures like Christian Horner or Lewis Hamilton cannot solve alone.
Horner is undeniably an experienced and influential operator who knows precisely what it takes to win championships. Following his recent remarks that he would never accept a standard team principal role without equity—unless Ferrari came calling—speculation surrounding a potential switch to Maranello quickly gathered pace.
The question, however, is whether the Red Bull boss could truly lead the Scuderia back to winning ways. After nearly two decades of underwhelming results, a revolving door of team principals, and heartbreak for world champion drivers, Ferrari's malaise runs far too deep for a one- or two-man rescue operation.
Current team principal Fred Vasseur has done a solid job steadying the ship and will be remembered for luring seven-time world champion Hamilton from a dominant rival to a squad starved of a drivers' title since 2007. Yet despite his wealth of experience, Vasseur has yet to restore the glory days. Those anticipating an immediate revival of the Michael Schumacher era were quickly brought back down to earth.
The blame, however, hardly rests on the Frenchman's shoulders alone. Ferrari's resurgence in the late 1990s was not down solely to Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne, Gino Rosato, Stefano Domenicali, Rubens Barrichello, or Schumacher himself. It was the product of a well-oiled machine operating under the strict, authoritative oversight of Luca di Montezemolo.
"Sport is my life and my business. I try to do my best. I'm here to do the job, and it's the best job in the world. That's the reality. We have seven races left, and we will fight until the final corner," Vasseur told Sky Sports.
Whether Vasseur is feeling the heat or his long-term contract provides peace of mind remains open to debate. Under a figurehead like Di Montezemolo or even the late Sergio Marchionne, the sense of urgency at Maranello would be far more palpable. At present, Agnelli-appointed chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna appear overly focused on commercial operations, seemingly oblivious to the risk that Hamilton might suffer the same fate as Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.
Whether Horner could genuinely fire Ferrari back to the summit remains an open question.
Jerry Perez, The Drive
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