Ferrari gives Vasseur backing amid Horner 'gossip'

Ferrari has insisted it has "full confidence" in Fred Vasseur amid mounting speculation about both his job and the potential of Christian Horner replacing him.

In a hastily-arranged virtual news conference on Tuesday, Ferrari's chief communication officer Maria Conti said the team -- under-pressure due to poor results on the track -- wanted to avoid any "gossip" moving forwards.

"We have confidence, full confidence in Fred Vasseur and in his team, and we continue to do so," she said. "At this time it's really important that the team remains united and cohesive, and we are focused with all the energy on the work ahead.

"Ferrari has always attracted extraordinary interest, and it's only natural that many professionals aspire to be part of it. It is a reflection of the strength of what Ferrari really represents. So, this is why we really want to avoid, and we do not intend to fuel speculation or comment on assumptions coming from outside the company. And it's not just related to the story in the times of Mr. Horner, but in general, the speculation about Fred."