Ferrari’s Vasseur denounces wild F1 rumours; Italy’s top automotive journalists defend media ethics and call for responsible reporting.
The situation continues to escalate: the Union of Italian Automotive Journalists [UIGA] has responded to comments made by Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, after the Frenchman strongly criticized the Italian media for speculating about his future with the Scuderia.
Vasseur has been the subject of rumors regarding his position within the team, which has experienced a difficult first half of the F1 season, failing to secure a single Grand Prix win and earning only three podium finishes.
In a scathing outburst, Vasseur called these rumors “stupid” and stated that such speculation was harmful to the team as a whole and to its staff.
The reaction from the Italian media was swift. UIGA has just published a statement in which, without naming Vasseur, it clearly expressed its stance.
“In recent days, several statements from the world of motorsport have shed important light on a situation that concerns us directly: the role and responsibility of sports journalism, particularly when addressing sensitive topics such as the internal dynamics of a team or organization.”
“A well-known Italian team principal expressed concern over the dissemination, by part of the press, of unconfirmed information about possible changes within the technical department, which were seen as detrimental to the team’s well-being.”
“He specifically highlighted how certain rumors, involving influential individuals from rival teams, can create insecurity among employees and fuel tensions that make achieving ambitious sporting goals even more difficult.”
“The same team principal sought to distinguish between rigorous, professional journalism and what he viewed as the temptation of sensationalism and clickbait, which contributes more to confusion than to clarity.”
The statement goes on to affirm that it adheres to what it considers an ethical and principled way of reporting speculation, emphasizing that it is not the role of its journalists to show partiality towards Ferrari or any other Italy-based team.
“UIGA upholds the need to reaffirm a simple and fundamental principle: sports journalism, like any form of professional reporting, must always be guided by fairness, fact-checking, and an understanding of the context in which it operates.”
“No pressure, direct or indirect, can or should restrict press freedom. But that freedom is all the more valuable when accompanied by full acceptance of its responsibilities.”
“The role of journalists is not to ‘support’ a team, but to report honestly on what is happening. However, that does not justify the dissemination of unverified information that risks upsetting already fragile balances, with real human and professional repercussions.”
“In this sense, the controversy of recent days, beyond its tone, represents a useful opportunity for our profession to reflect on the balance between the right to information and respect for individuals. In a media era where speed and sensationalism often take precedence, we must defend the value of sober, accurate, and independent journalism.”