Fittipaldi: Horner is wrong for Ferrari – Vasseur is the modern Jean Todt

Pulse Sports Team 18:40 - 19 October 2026

Two-time Formula 1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi has drawn comparisons between current Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and iconic former boss Jean Todt, insisting that Christian Horner would not be the right fit for the Maranello-based outfit.

The former Red Bull boss stirred up the paddock weeks ago after admitting that leading Ferrari would be a "dream come true" as he eyes a potential return to the grid. Horner later walked back his remarks, claiming they were taken out of context, though the prospect gained little genuine traction among fans and pundits.

Ferrari hierarchy has continued to throw its support behind Vasseur despite ongoing rumors regarding his position. Speaking to The Sun, Fittipaldi warned that parting ways with the Frenchman would be a huge misstep, highlighting the striking similarities between Vasseur's management style and Todt's.

"I know Fred very well from our time working together at A1 Team Brazil, where he was running the technical side. He is fantastic to work with. He has a strong personality and an approach very reminiscent of Jean Todt. It would be total madness for Ferrari to let him go. He is a pure racer, an exceptional leader, and tough as nails. I don't believe Christian Horner is the right man for Ferrari," the Brazilian motorsport legend stated.

Jean Todt oversaw the Scuderia during its golden era alongside Michael Schumacher, securing five consecutive Formula 1 world championship doubles between 2000 and 2004.

Further skepticism regarding Horner's pull was voiced by former Red Bull operations director Richard Hopkins. Speaking to The Daily Star, Hopkins revealed that he originally left McLaren purely to link up with design mastermind Adrian Newey, casting doubt on whether Horner possesses the same magnetic appeal to attract top engineering talent to Maranello.

"I went to Red Bull primarily because Adrian was there. I knew that with him in charge, things would click into place. Every engineer wants to work for a technical department led by Adrian Newey. I'm not convinced Christian has that same drawing power or magnetism—in fact, I doubt it," said Hopkins, who served in the role from 2013 to 2015.