Ferrari: Vasseur under medical observation, return timetable unclear

Ferrari announced that team principal Fred Vasseur, 58, would miss Saturday’s Monaco Grand Prix qualifying after undergoing medical checks and being kept under observation at a local medical facility. The team said it would not provide further medical details and wished Vasseur a speedy recovery. Ferrari framed the matter as an internal medical issue and gave no timetable for his return. The statement, released as qualifying was imminent, said Vasseur would not be present at the circuit on Saturday but did not identify who might assume his trackside responsibilities for qualifying. Vasseur has led Ferrari’s Formula 1 team since 2023 and received a multi-year contract extension last year. The announcement removed a key figure from a crucial part of the race weekend and left Ferrari managing both sporting priorities and an unexpected leadership absence. On Friday Charles Leclerc topped first practice and Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in the second session, underscoring the competitive picture for the weekend. Vasseur had earlier warned teams that Friday times were not definitive and urged crews to anticipate track and grip evolution, saying teams should be “one session ahead” of qualifying and the race. Ferrari and other outlets extended well wishes for Vasseur’s recovery.