People as a Foundation for Healthy Business Growth: Scuderia Ferrari Lesson
The recent acquisition of the world’s current No. 1 Formula One Car Designer - Adrian Newey by Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team has again proved that there is no limit to the depth of human creativity even in one of the most technologically advanced businesses in the world. However, is it a most valuable individual talent, or a holistic team (collective) success? Eternal question!
One of the most highly paid auto designers in the world.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, success isn’t just about cutting-edge hardware and software technology, lightning-fast cars, or brilliant strategy. One of the most critical elements behind the success of any team, or business for that matter, is the effective management of talent. This is something Fred Vasseur, team principal of Scuderia Ferrari, has demonstrated since stepping into one of the most scrutinised roles in motorsport.
As we are not far away from the legendary Lewis Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari in Melbourne in early 2025 it is insightful to look through the lens of Vasseur’s approach to leadership and people management. Fred offers valuable lessons for any organisation aiming for healthy, sustainable growth. By focusing on building trust, accountability, and a positive culture, Vasseur has positioned Ferrari to not only compete but thrive in the future.
The Role of Talent in Business Growth
AI’s hype is slowing down in the trenches of sustainable use cases and accommodating people who are at the heart of business growth of the most advanced business ventures irrespective of tech. Talent drives innovation, steers execution, and ultimately defines a company's success. But for this talent to flourish, it must be nurtured in an environment of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. Vasseur’s leadership at Ferrari F1 Team exemplifies this approach.
When Ferrari underwent significant changes following the departure of Mattia Binotto in 2023, Vasseur took the reins with a clear goal: to build a strong, cohesive team. He emphasised collaboration over conflict, ensuring that everyone in the organisation was aligned with the broader goals of the team. In an interview, Vasseur explained his approach: “I don’t want to lose energy for the wrong topic, I think we have a lot to do internally.” This mindset reveals his focus on optimising internal processes, fostering a positive environment, and getting the best out of every team member.
Formula 1: A Tech-Driven Industry Where People Matter Even More
Formula 1 is one of the most technologically advanced sports in the world. Teams utilise cutting-edge AI, digital twins, IoT, big data analytics, cloud, cyber security, and advanced IT systems to optimise every aspect of performance. These technologies analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, simulate race conditions, predict outcomes, and even suggest strategies.
Yet, even in this hyper-technical environment, the importance of human leadership and people management remains paramount. As advanced as AI and digital tools have become, they cannot replace the human intuition, emotional intelligence, and collaborative spirit that drive team success. Vasseur’s role at Ferrari underscores this reality: no matter how sophisticated the technology, it is the people behind the machines who ultimately steer the ship. Even more, people are actually steering these machines at incredible speeds of 350-360 km p/h with G-forces compatible with military fighter jets or orbital/space travels.
For Ferrari, Vasseur’s people-first leadership approach is as critical to success as the cutting-edge technology they employ. His ability to foster collaboration, build trust, and empower his team is what makes the technology work in harmony with the broader goals of the team. AI can provide insights, but it’s the team’s collective wisdom and experience that determine how best to act on those insights.
Vasseur’s Approach to People Management
Fred Vasseur’s management style is distinctive in a field that often values high-pressure, intense environments. He brings a calm, approachable demeanour and has been described as friendly, yet deeply committed to the task at hand. This balance is crucial in high-performance environments where stress can easily derail both individuals and teams.
Vasseur's leadership is also marked by a keen sense of when to push and when to step back, a trait he developed over years of working with some of the best talent in motorsport, including Lewis Hamilton, with whom he shares a close professional relationship. His ability to cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect has played a key role in Ferrari’s recruitment drive, helping the team attract high-profile names even in the fiercely competitive F1 world. As seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton approaches his first season at Ferrari with a view to achieve a historically best-ever result, in a business context, this Vasseur’s people-first approach can translate to significant advantages for a larger Ferrari business. By promoting a culture of trust and open communication, Vasseur ensures that Ferrari is a place where top talent wants to work. When employees feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to go above and beyond, contributing to overall business success. Moreover, an established name like Lewis Hamilton is keen to experience a fundamental change in his personal and professional life by moving to Maranello from the UK.
Building a Culture of Accountability and Collaboration
One of the hallmarks of Vasseur’s leadership is his commitment to accountability. While he promotes a friendly and collaborative atmosphere, Vasseur also sets clear expectations and standards for performance. This is an essential component of any healthy, growing organisation.
In Ferrari's case, this accountability extends to every member of the team, from the engineers working on the cars to the strategists making crucial race decisions. By ensuring everyone understands their role and how it contributes to the team’s overall success, Vasseur creates a sense of ownership across the organisation. This kind of accountability fuels both individual and collective growth, ensuring that everyone is working toward the same objectives.
For businesses outside the motorsport world, fostering this kind of culture can lead to higher levels of engagement, productivity, and innovation. When employees know they are accountable for their contributions but are also supported in achieving their goals, they are more likely to stay motivated and perform at a high level.
Technology Can’t Replace People Management
While technology is transforming industries worldwide, even the most sophisticated systems—whether AI, automation, or data-driven tools—cannot replace the value of effective people management. Formula 1 may be a pinnacle of technological innovation, but it is still a sport driven by human creativity, decision-making, and leadership.
This lesson is equally important for businesses across all sectors. Technology can improve efficiency and provide insights, but it is the people who use these tools that determine their success. By investing in talent management, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of accountability, businesses can harness technology more effectively and drive sustainable growth.
Healthy Leadership and Business Growth
Fred Vasseur’s journey with Ferrari offers a powerful case study in the importance of people management in driving healthy business growth. His approach—marked by collaboration, trust, and accountability—has revitalised a team that was once struggling with internal conflict and performance issues. His ability to recruit top talent, foster a positive culture, and build a strong, aligned leadership team shows the impact that effective people management can have on an organisation's success.
Businesses aiming for sustainable growth can take valuable lessons from Vasseur’s leadership. By focusing on creating a healthy, supportive work environment, where talent can thrive and accountability is clear, companies can position themselves for long-term success. Whether you're leading a global organisation or a small team, the key takeaway is clear: success is driven by people, and healthy growth starts with effective talent management.
Just as Ferrari is on the road to reclaiming its championship glory under Vasseur, businesses can achieve remarkable growth when their leaders prioritise people, nurture talent, and foster a culture of collaboration—even in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
