Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has expressed frustration over Christian Horner becoming a distraction ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Horner, dismissed from Red Bull in July 2025 following a sexual harassment allegation, recently told the Times that Ferrari represent "the dream" job. Vasseur stated that 50% of questions now revolve around Horner's future, diverting focus from Ferrari's championship fight.

After Charles Leclerc finished fourth and Lewis Hamilton sixth in Baku, Vasseur emphasized the team is struggling with engine performance, losing one position per lap on straights. Despite the off-track noise, Vasseur affirmed his commitment, stating motorsport is his life and he will push until the final corner. He dismissed suggestions of joking about Horner, replying "I was very serious" when asked, and famously deflected questions about working with the former Red Bull chief by suggesting interested parties ask his assistant.

Ferrari, aiming for title contention this season, have found their engine lacking compared to Mercedes and Red Bull, hindering race pace despite strong qualifying performances.