Alfa Romeo thanks Fred Vasseur after his departure for Ferrari: « It’s the end of an era »

It is now official: Fred Vasseur is leaving the Alfa Romeo/Sauber team to take the lead of the Scuderia Ferrari.

“Replacing Mattia Binotto at Ferrari as of January 2023. Following this departure, Alfa Romeo wanted to thank the French engineer for his six seasons at the helm of the team. For the latter, this announcement marks the final chapter of a personal and professional growth journey, both for the team and the individual, a journey that led to Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN achieving its best result in the Formula 1 constructors’ championship in a decade, with a sixth-place finish in the 2022 season.”

« It is a moment that marks the end of an era – a moment when our team reflects on the changes that have taken place under the leadership of Vasseur », the team declares in its statement. The appointment of Fred Vasseur was one of the first acts of the new team shareholder in 2017: he had just left Renault F1 Team to join a team that was stuck at the back of the grid and struggling to attract talent. « Thanks to hard work, belief in the team’s potential, and astute management, things have improved under Fred’s leadership: scoring points has become a regular objective, partners have started to adorn the once blank car bodywork, and the number of employees has continued to increase », comments Alfa Romeo.

The team notes that these advancements have brought about a growing sense of confidence in Hinwil: a confidence that this team could be competitive once again and would attract the top talents in motorsport.

Frédéric Vasseur is leaving a team strengthened by new partners, a growing workforce, and a future that the team considers bright as a factory team of a manufacturer in the not-so-distant future. Audi will make its debut in 2026 as Sauber’s engine supplier. He is leaving as a friend, mentor, and a boss capable of bringing out the best in his protégés. As we enter a new chapter in our team’s history, we will miss the smiles and jokes that accompanied him during his visits to our Hinwil headquarters. Thank you, Fred, and good luck. We will support you wherever you go, concludes Alfa Romeo in their heartfelt tribute.

Fred Vasseur will always support Alfa Romeo.

Fred Vasseur naturally also thanked his future ex-team: “I have a debt of gratitude towards every employee of the team, as they are the ones who have revived this team and climbed the ranks of our sport. I am proud of the work we have collectively accomplished as a team and company, and even more so of the solid foundations we have laid for the future. But what I am most proud of are the people who have made all of this possible and who, over time, have become friends. I will always feel at home with this team and will support them wherever I go. I have learned a lot during my time as CEO and team manager, and I believe that each day has equipped me for what is to come. I know that Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN will continue to progress, and I look forward to seeing them compete at the top in the coming years.”

Finn Rausing, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Holding AG, also had a few words to say and thanked Fred Vasseur for being the first to believe in the Alfa Romeo/Sauber project. « I am confident that I echo the sentiments of the entire team in wishing Fred much success in his future endeavors », he concluded.

Fred leaves a team bolstered by new partners, a growing workforce and with a bright future as the works team for a manufacturer in the not-too-far distance. His belief in the team led us to new heights: we’re ready for a new chapter in our history.

Merci, Fred, et bonne chance! pic.twitter.com/ZtontmShHK

— Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN (@alfaromeoorlen) December 13, 2022