F1 | Ferrari SF25 struggles in Qatar: Fred Vasseur explains Charles Leclerc’s FP1 power-steering issues. Ferrari had a challenging start to Qatar GP FP1.

Fred Vasseur aimed to reassure Ferrari fans after Charles Leclerc’s difficulties during FP1 at the Qatar GP.

It was certainly not the start that Ferrari fans had hoped for. Charles Leclerc’s problems, combined with Lewis Hamilton struggling to find the right feel with the SF-25, meant the Qatar GP weekend began on a challenging note for Fred Vasseur’s Ferrari team. The eighth and twelfth positions in which the two Maranello cars finished FP1 at Lusail accurately reflect the challenges Ferrari has faced throughout the season.

Fred Vasseur reassures the fans

Despite this, Ferrari’s team principal does not appear worried. During the press conference with team representatives, Fred Vasseur responded to a question from F1inGenerale regarding the team’s performance in the only practice session of the weekend. “I don’t think we should give too much importance to what happened in FP1. We had some steering issues, but it’s no secret as Charles complained several times over the radio. We will definitely work on it and aim to solve it before the Sprint qualifying,” said the Ferrari chief at the end of the first free practice session for the Qatar Grand Prix, which takes place at the 5.4-kilometre Lusail International Circuit, located just outside the city of Lusail, north of Doha.

The French manager then put the session into broader context: “Looking back at last year, though, we had a different ranking in every session of the weekend. The grid is so tight that it takes very little to gain positions. We need to have this type of mindset and focus on improving the car for the next sessions,” Fred Vasseur added.