During the current season, Maranello has been unusually quiet. It’s not just because of the silent church bells, which used to ring in celebration after every Formula 1 victory at Ferrari’s birthplace. Since Frederic Vasseur took the reins at Scuderia, the Prancing Horse seems tamer – especially in its outward appearance. This is something Fred Vasseur’s long-time protege Charles Leclerc has also noticed.
Vasseur’s Restraint: Calmness Instead of Media Frenzy
Instead of grand announcements (“There is no reason why Ferrari cannot win the next ten races,” said Mattia Binotto last year), Fred Vasseur stands out with composure, always facing journalists with a smile. Since his appointment, the Frenchman has established a new mentality in Ferrari’s Formula 1 team. Composure is the new mantra – even after a more successful weekend in Spa-Francorchamps: “A week ago, I was told McLaren was on the rise, Ferrari at the end of the world, and we were fools.”
“Now suddenly we are at the front, and McLaren is far behind us. This shows that we should just stay calm and composed. The field is so tight that one or two tenths can make the difference between P2 and P11,” Fred Vasseur appealed in his now accustomed tranquility. After the Hungarian Grand Prix, the national media lashed out at Ferrari with the usual Italian temperament: “Only the fourth force,” “The worst race of the year,” and “A season to forget” were the headlines of three articles published by Gazzetta dello Sport alone less than 24 hours after the Hungarian GP.
Leclerc Demands: Give Vasseur Time!
Even before the weekend in Spa, Charles Leclerc called for patience with his team boss: “It’s his first season; we have to give him time. Then we will also see how his approach reflects on the track.” Just four days later, the Monegasque celebrated his third podium finish in this Formula 1 season.
The F1 driver also pointed out, “Ferrari is a completely different caliber than Alfa Romeo [Vasseur’s former employer, Ed.]. Many more people are involved, and the pressure is immense. But Fred immediately understood the areas we need to address. He adapted very quickly.”
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Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur know each other from their time at Alfa Sauber, among other things. There is great trust in his longtime companion: “We worked together in the junior categories and at Alfa Romeo, so I know Fred will work very well.” Fred Vasseur also enjoys internal support at Ferrari from Charles Leclerc’s manager, Nicolas Todt. The son of former Ferrari team boss Jean Todt worked with Fred Vasseur at ART Grand Prix in GP2 for almost ten years.
But apart from their shared past, Charles Leclerc finds hope in Fred Vasseur’s approach: “He makes a difference in how he works. His approaches are shaping a new mindset that is currently being implemented more and more. In my opinion, this is very positive and will make a difference in the medium term.” – the Ferrari man concluded.
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