Ferrari succession debate: why Andrea Stella remains a major name to watch

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has emerged as a prominent candidate to potentially succeed Frédéric Vasseur at Ferrari amid mounting pressure over the Scuderia's fading 2026 championship campaign. Although Ferrari continues to publicly back Vasseur, debate surrounding Maranello's long-term leadership has intensified. Stella previously worked at Ferrari from 2000 to 2014 before guiding McLaren to back-to-back Constructors' Championships in 2024 and 2025, alongside Lando Norris's Drivers' Championship title.

Luca Marini reports that other figures like Christian Horner have been linked to the role, though ownership demands present complications. Internal candidates include Jérôme D’Ambrosio, as WEC boss Antonello Coletta is reportedly uninterested. Furthermore, McLaren's anticipated future management restructuring—with Gianpiero Lambiase expected to arrive in 2028—could raise long-term questions regarding Stella's position at Woking, keeping him firmly on Ferrari's radar.