Peter Sauber is already looking for a replacement for Frédéric Vasseur, who is leaving to head Ferrari
According to the Swiss newspaper Blick, Frédéric Vasseur is moving to Italy. Peter Sauber, current owner of the Sauber team (Alfa Romeo), has even said he understands Frédéric Vasseur's reaction and encourages him to go further than his predecessors at Ferrari.
Arriving in Formula 1 in 2016 to lead Renault, Frédéric Vasseur is said to be on the verge of replacing Mattia Binotto at Ferrari as team principal. While nothing has been officially announced, Blick managed to obtain information that makes the situation increasingly clear.
Frédéric Vasseur would allegedly be moving to Italy, according to the Swiss newspaper. He has already purchased a house in Italy near the Scuderia Ferrari factory. In an interview, Peter Sauber, the team owner, believes that an offer from Ferrari cannot be refused. He said, “Well, if you receive an offer from Ferrari, you have to go for it!”
Peter Sauber, however, warns his French director, knowing that Ferrari directors often do not stay in place for long: « But if you know the history of Ferrari – including the founder of the company, Enzo – you know that team principals generally have a short lifespan. Except for Jean Todt, who reigned for more than twelve years! »
With this position left vacant by Frédéric Vasseur, Peter Sauber will not really be responsible for choosing the replacement. It is Finn Rausing, co-owner of the Hinwil factory, who will be in charge of appointing a new director, assisted by the other executives of the factory and of course Frédéric Vasseur himself.
Beat Zehnder, current sports director of Sauber, is a name mentioned as a possible replacement for Vasseur, but with Audi coming in as a partner in 2026, the team may have to choose a long-term strategy by appointing someone from Audi’s motorsport division to lead Sauber, while ensuring continuity in its hierarchy.
Jost Capito, who has just been announced as leaving Williams, was part of the VW group and could therefore be an excellent replacement.
By joining Ferrari, Vasseur could be reunited with Charles Leclerc, whom he had the opportunity to manage during his time as a Sauber team driver.
Ferrari has stated that an announcement will take place at the beginning of 2023.
