Ferrari insists ‘no vacancy’ for Christian Horner after unscheduled media call

Ferrari told reporters at an unscheduled media call on Tuesday that the team had "made its choices" and reaffirmed full confidence in team principal Fred Vasseur, dismissing suggestions there was a vacancy for Christian Horner.

Chief communication officer Maria Conti spoke on behalf of chair John Elkann and chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna as the marque moved to quash speculation following comments by Horner in the Times last week that leading Ferrari would be his "dream" job and the only one he would consider without part-ownership.

Conti said: "Ferrari’s position is clear, has not changed, and Ferrari has made its choices already. We have confidence, full confidence, in Fred Vasseur and in his team, and we continue to do so." She added: "Everybody, they are still creating a lot of different stories around Fred and this is not useful. We do not intend to fuel speculation or comment on assumptions coming from outside the company." Conti also said: "It is not just related to the story in the Times of Mr Horner but in general, there was other speculation also."

Ferrari had hoped the new regulations this season would present a chance to compete for the title, but while they sit second in the world championship they are 160 points off leaders Mercedes. The team opened the season with what the club described as an enormously strong chassis but have since been caught and all but surpassed in development by McLaren, with Red Bull closing strongly as well.

Vasseur, who joined Ferrari in 2023 and had his contract extended in July of last year, told reporters after the last round in Baku that speculation over his future was unhelpful. "We are not working in the perfect serenity," he said. "But it is what it is, it’s not in my hands. Mr Horner is looking for a job – that everybody knows – everywhere. But what can I do? Just try to do my best to push the team."

Elsewhere on Tuesday Aston Martin confirmed its driver lineup for 2027 will remain Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, ending conjecture that the 46-year-old double world champion was contemplating retirement amid a dismal season with an underperforming car and engine. Alonso said: "It took me a little bit of time to make my decision. But now I have things very clear on my mind," adding: "I will retire from F1 … But not yet. I still feel fast and motivated and a huge passion for F1 and for the sport. It is my life."

Aston Martin’s announcement confirmed the 2027 driver pairing of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, and Alonso said he will continue racing into next year, which will be his 24th full season in F1.