How long Fred Vasseur’s new ‘multi-year’ Ferrari contract really is after Lewis Hamilton’s backing

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Ferrari have ended any speculation about the future of Fred Vasseur by agreeing to a new multi-year contract with their team principal ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Frenchman has been facing an uncertain future in Maranello in recent months following an unsatisfactory start to the 2025 F1 season for the Scuderia. While Vasseur and Ferrari felt this term could become a title-winning campaign before the season, their wait will continue.

Ferrari only missed out on their first constructors’ title since 2008 by 14 points last season in Vasseur’s second term in red. The 57-year-old replaced Mattia Binotto in December 2022 and he brought stability to the Scuderia, who last won the F1 drivers’ championship in 2007.

McLaren opening a 197-point lead over the Scuderia in the constructors’ standings ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix in June also saw claims that Vasseur had three races to save his job at Ferrari. His deal was due to expire at the end of 2025, but he has now signed fresh terms.

Fred Vasseur’s new multi-year contract as Ferrari’s team principal is a two-year deal

Ferrari confirmed Vasseur’s new multi-year contract on Thursday ahead of round 13 of 24 at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Scuderia arrived in Budapest for the final round ahead of the summer break sat second in the standings, yet leaders McLaren now boast a 268-point lead.

READ MORE: Who is Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur? Everything you need to know

Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are both delighted that Vasseur is now set to lead the Scuderia into F1’s 2026 aerodynamic and engine regulations era. He is also in line to lead the pride of Italy beyond next season, as Vasseur has agreed to a two-year contract.

That is according to Bild, which notes that Vasseur’s new contract will see him stay at Ferrari through, at least, the 2027 F1 season. Additionally, Corriere della Sera reports that Vasseur’s new contract includes the option to extend his tenure with Ferrari for one additional season.

Ferrari did not plan to announce Fred Vasseur’s new contract until the Italian Grand Prix

Ferrari did not initially intend to announce Vasseur’s new contract before the Hungarian GP, too. Also according to Corriere della Sera, Scuderia chiefs had planned to wait until the end of August to lead into the Italian Grand Prix at Monza with the news of Vasseur’s new terms.

But Maranello bosses brought forward their plans and finalised an agreement with Vasseur before the final round prior to the summer break. Ferrari want his new contract to serve as a ‘clear signal’ to the team and to the world that Vasseur is whom they want for the new rules.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

One factor that helped Vasseur to earn his new two-year contract with Ferrari was the total support that Hamilton offered the Frenchman throughout the uncertainty he faced and the lack of results the Scuderia have recorded since the Briton moved to Maranello this season.

Hamilton also made his feelings clear on Thursday ahead of the Hungarian GP, as the seven-time F1 champion noted via Motorsport.com: “Fred signed me here and I want to work with him.” Vasseur was key to Hamilton joining Ferrari this term, after 12 seasons with Mercedes.

Leclerc believes Vasseur is ‘very important’ for Ferrari, too, as the Frenchman can leave the emotion out of being the team principal of the pride of Italy. Leading the Scuderia is a task few can handle under the weight of a country desperate to see the Prancing Horse prevail.