Ferrari starts the long Formula 1 break with a huge boost of motivation: how Team Principal Frederic Vasseur assesses the current situation – and what gives hope
Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur is convinced that his team is starting the long Formula 1 break with a significant boost in motivation. Although the Scuderia is still chasing its first victory after the first three races of the new season, the start to the season has already given reason for confidence.
“It’s the third podium in a row,” said the Frenchman jubilantly after Charles Leclerc’s third place in Japan. The Monegasque was also on the podium at the season opener in Australia, before Lewis Hamilton took his first podium finish for Ferrari at the second race in China.
“We want to achieve even more, but I think Charles put in a very, very strong performance against Russell at the end,” Vasseur also recalls Leclerc’s strong final phase in Suzuka, which saw him leave Mercedes driver George Russell behind.
“It was important for us to keep Mercedes and Russell behind us,” emphasizes the Ferrari team boss. “The last ten laps also showed everyone at the factory and in the team that we can do it. That means it’s important and the best preparation for the break.”
Ferrari team boss: “We have countless things to improve”
“It was a good battle overall, and he was sometimes very clever to let Russell go in the final chicane and then overtake him in the first corner,” said Vasseur, praising his driver. “He did a very good job with the overtaking maneuver against Russell.”
“We can be satisfied and he can be proud of his performance today. It was a very strong drive.” Ferrari is now hoping to further reduce the gap to the leaders thanks to some updates announced for the next race in Miami.
“Like everyone in the paddock, we have a lot to do. It’s the beginning of the homologation of the car. That means we have to improve countless things,” emphasizes Vasseur. “After three races, we now have good data to understand the competitiveness of the car, where we are reasonably good and where we are not.”
“This means that performance comes from everywhere, but we need to make a step forward in every single area. That applies to everyone in the field, so it’s about being better than the others and taking a step forward.”