Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, 58, missed the qualifying session at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix on Saturday due to medical reasons and is under observation at a local medical facility, the team said [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Ferrari issued a statement saying, "Following some medical checks, Fred will remain under observation at a local medical facility. No further medical information will be provided" [1].
Vasseur had been present on Friday when Ferrari cars topped both practice sessions, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finishing first and second in each session [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Vasseur noted the challenge of qualifying this year with "10% more cars on the grid," making it "more than 10% more difficult" to put together a clean lap [1].
Qualifying at Monaco is crucial due to limited overtaking opportunities on the narrow street circuit, making Vasseur's absence especially notable for the team [4]. Hamilton and Leclerc both seek their first race win of the 2026 season at Monaco [4, 5].
Vasseur joined Ferrari as team principal in 2023 after previous leadership roles with Sauber/Alfa Romeo and Renault [2, 3, 5]. Ferrari has not won a Grand Prix since October 2024 [1, 2, 3]. The team is currently involved in negotiations over engine regulations for 2027, blocking a proposed change to engine design aimed at shifting internal combustion power distribution [1].
Friday's practice results showed Ferrari cars first and second in both sessions, with Hamilton and Leclerc leading the way [1, 4, 5]. Vasseur's absence from Saturday qualifying could affect Ferrari’s performance at a track where starting position often determines race outcome.
The Monaco Grand Prix qualifying and race continue on Sunday with Vasseur's status to be monitored at the medical facility, while Ferrari will face its first qualifying session without their principal present.
