**Ferrari Boss Expresses Frustration Over Speculation Amid Horner Links**
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has voiced his frustration regarding ongoing speculation about his future, particularly in light of recent comments made by former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. In an interview published last week, Horner indicated that Ferrari would be the only Formula One team he would consider joining without an ownership stake, reigniting discussions about a potential move to the Italian team.
Horner, who was dismissed from his position at Red Bull in July 2022, described Ferrari as the "dream" team and referred to it as the "sleeping giant of Formula One." His remarks have led to increased speculation about his possible return to the sport, especially given his illustrious history with Red Bull, where he led the team to eight drivers' championships and six constructors' titles over a 20-year tenure.
Vasseur, who took over as Ferrari's team principal in January 2023, expressed his concerns about the impact of such speculation on the team's focus and morale. After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, he stated, "We are not working in the perfect serenity. For me, firstly, but for everybody in the team, for the media, for 50 percent of the questions (to be) about this, I think it’s a bit of a frustrating situation."
Despite the distractions, Vasseur emphasized his commitment to leading Ferrari and motivating the team to perform at their best. He acknowledged that Horner's search for a new role is well-known but insisted that his focus remains on the current season and improving the team's performance.
Ferrari, the oldest and most successful team in Formula One history, has not won a championship since 2008. The last driver to secure a title for the team was Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. This year, the team has achieved two race victories, with one win each for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and their rising star Charles Leclerc. Currently, Ferrari sits second in the overall standings, trailing behind the dominant Mercedes team, while facing renewed competition from McLaren and Red Bull.
As speculation continues to swirl around Horner's future and potential interest from Ferrari, Vasseur remains focused on the task at hand, aiming to steer the team back to its former glory and restore its competitive edge in the sport.