“I used to pray for times like this” – Fans rejoice as Ferrari’s infamous Race Strategy Head leaves Maranello

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur (via IMAGO)
Scuderia Ferrari is undoubtedly one of the most iconic names in Formula 1. However, the Italian team has failed to win an F1 title since 2008. Maranello has been making some major changes since last year to steer the team in a new direction. Now, Ferrari’s Head of Race Strategy Iñaki Rueda has reportedly left the team before the 2024 season.
Rueda was the mastermind behind all race strategies for the Scuderia. Unfortunately, many criticized the Italian’s decisions in the past few years. In 2023, it was evident that Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz had faced difficulties with race strategy. It is believed that both drivers lost out on some crucial points for Maranello because of a lackluster strategy.

It seems that Team Principal Fred Vasseur is making changes in Ferrari’s structure before the start of the 2024 season. Vasseur has been vocal about the team’s mistakes during his first year at Maranello. Subsequently, Iñaki Rueda’s reported exit would allow for a new approach in terms of race strategy, an area the Scuderia has failed to match its rivals.
Fans are glad to see Iñaki Rueda leave Scuderia Ferrari
Fans on X were thrilled to hear this news. One fan used the famous song quote, “I used to pray for times like this” to express their emotions. Another user was delighted to finally see Iñaki Rueda leave the squad, claiming that it should’ve been done a long time ago. The user wrote, “Better late than never, good riddance. It’s been a long time coming.”

Moreover, one user posted a quote that stated, “It’s the best thing I can imagine, and it’s more than I ever dreamed of.” Certainly, the Tifosi seemed to be over the moon over this reported decision. Additionally, a few fans asked when will Ferrari sack Charles Leclerc’s race engineer Xavier Marcos Padros. One fan replied, “I Will REALLY celebrate when Xavi be kicked out for good.”
Every single Tifoso rn pic.twitter.com/V1oYTZGm7E
— ? Formula 1 Daily (@Formula1_Daily) January 6, 2024
— David. (@tdavid22_) January 6, 2024
Better late than never, good riddance. It's been a long time coming pic.twitter.com/nE8274WrhP
— Carlos Dias (@TheUnseenTomato) January 6, 2024
Fred pic.twitter.com/jnX6L89M2p
— Darian(Sf 24's biggest supporter) (@Darian_F1) January 6, 2024
Tifosi rn pic.twitter.com/pzJY4msFCe
— Miss Formula 1 (@Miss_Formula1) January 6, 2024
????
— smriti (@SmritiBhatnaga3) January 7, 2024
trash always takes itself out
he is the most useless strategist ever, should have taken out the trash earlier
— Bryan C (@bryancwy) January 7, 2024
— Darlene (@dardarlene) January 6, 2024
Vasseur is actually the GOAT
— Oboy?? (@thojodojo) January 6, 2024
I Will REALLY celebrate when Xavi be kicked out for good
— Claudio Jr. (@theclaudiojr) January 6, 2024
Ferrari fans are happy to see Iñaki Rueda leave the Scuderia. Although it must be noted that this has not been confirmed by Maranello or Rueda. As such, it remains to be seen if the 45-year-old will leave the Prancing Horse before the start of the upcoming season.
In case you missed it:
- “Mommy issues or something” – Fans post hilarious comments as Max Verstappen slides into Susie Wolff’s comments section
- Fred Vasseur admits he’s ‘not happy’ with Ferrari’s mediocre 2023 F1 season