Frederic Vasseur has said that he would "welcome" any advice from former Ferrari boss Jean Todt ahead of his first season in charge of the Italian team. The recently-appointed Ferrari Team Principal was brought in to push the team closer to a championship fight this season, following their disappointing end to a promising 2022. Ferrari are looking for their first Constructors' Championship title since the 2008 season, and a first Drivers' Championship since 2007, which was achieved in Jean Todt's final season with the team. Speaking to media, including RacingNews365.com , ahead of the 2023 season, Frenchman Vasseur was asked if he saw comparisons between himself and compatriot Todt, whose reign as Ferrari boss included their dominant period in the 2000s. Vasseur joked: "After the nationality, you have the height perhaps!" "I think that you can't compare what's happened 20 years ago to today, F1 is changing and continues changing in the structure and with the size of the team, and the regulations, and the cost cap." Vasseur added that he had been in communication with Todt and would be open to receiving advice from the former FIA President. "We had some discussions with Jean to stay close to the F1 world and we exchanged [messages] by WhatsApp a couple of weeks ago, and then we will meet him soon," added Vasseur. "All the advice is welcome, but it's quite difficult today to compare the situation of 1994/1995 to 2022."
Vasseur plays down Todt consultancy role
Ferrari have struggled to replicate their success from the 'Schumacher' era, and Vasseur will be their fifth team boss in the last ten years. When asked about the frequency of his communications with Todt, Vasseur commented that he would not be seeking regular advice. "I've known Jean Todt now for more than 20 years," added Vasseur. "He has never been far away from me in my professional life, and I think it makes sense for me to discuss with him. "But it's not a matter of him being a consultant."
Most read
