Jean Alesi backs Fred Vasseur as McLaren dismisses Andrea Stella speculation

Core summary Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi publicly backed team principal Fred Vasseur, saying the Scuderia already has the right leader. McLaren also dismissed rumours that Andrea Stella would leave for Ferrari after announcing chief racing officer Gianpiero Lambiase. The team confirmed Stella will stay on as principal through at least 2028.

Why it matters:

• Vasseur’s stability is crucial as Ferrari rolls out the 2026 regulations.
• Stella’s continuity keeps McLaren’s title momentum after 2025 double wins.
• The rumor risked destabilising both teams’ long‑term plans.

The details:

• McLaren confirmed Lambiase will join as Chief Racing Officer, reporting to Stella, with a contract through 2028.
• Stella, a former Ferrari engineer, led McLaren to the 2025 drivers’ and constructors’ titles with Norris and Piastri.
• Ferrari finished early 2026 second in the Constructors’, 45 points behind Mercedes, focusing on ADUO upgrades under the new rules.

What's next:

• Vasseur will keep steering Ferrari through the 2026 rollout, aiming to close the gap to Mercedes.
• Stella retains full control of McLaren’s race operations while integrating Lambiase’s input.
• McLaren will likely reveal further staffing changes before 2028 as it fine‑tunes its package for the next era.