Hamilton and Leclerc back Vasseur as Ferrari reaffirms confidence

Speculation over Fred Vasseur's future at Ferrari has continued amid a difficult season and wider paddock rumours, including suggestions involving former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. Horner told The Times that Ferrari is the only team he would consider joining without an equity stake, and broadcaster Will Buxton said replacing Vasseur with Horner would be "absolutely ludicrous".

Ferrari moved publicly to calm the situation at the end of September. Chief communication officer Maria Conti told reporters the team has "confidence - full confidence - in Fred Vasseur and in his team, and we continue to do so." Vasseur had also said after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that the team was not operating with its usual "serenity".

Both Ferrari drivers then backed Vasseur. Hamilton said, "Fred is the guy to lead us" and dismissed the rumours, while Leclerc described the speculation as "silly rumours" and said he had deleted social media apps from his phone to avoid the noise.