The Belgian Grand Prix weekend in Formula 1 held significant importance, not just for the on-track racing action at the 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, but also for the technical and political talks off the track. As many are aware, an F1 Commission convened to address various matters concerning the future of the sport.
These discussions encompassed topics like tire warmers for the next Formula 1 campaign, regulations pertaining to future engines and Budget Caps, and other issues that required voting and in-depth exchanges of rules.
In his post-race press conference at Spa-Francorchamps, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur also touched upon these matters, articulating clear ideas and viewpoints.
One of the standout headlines from Belgium undoubtedly revolved around Alpine, both on and off the track. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon exhibited excellent performance on the racing circuit, detached from the management level happenings, and secured solid results for the team.
While steering away from delving into the discussions surrounding changes occurring in one of his former teams, the Ferrari boss focused on answering questions about the F1 Commission, where there had been talk of a request put forth by Alpine regarding power units:
“On the Power Units, it is true that when we decided to freeze the engines, it was said that in exceptional cases, if there was a big difference, a solution would be found to help those in difficulty, but I don’t think Renault is that far away.” – the French manager explained – “We don’t have the same numbers they claim. It is the first time that my engineers are pessimistic towards others. It’s the same situation as in the wind tunnel: those who are further back have more time to develop. What we want to do is give those who are behind the opportunity to develop, not introduce a sort of Balance of Performance.” – Fred Vasseur pointed out.
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The budget or cost cap has been another subject under discussion last weekend at Spa. The introduction of the expenditure limit is a recent development, and Fred Vasseur emphasizes the significance of not making excessive rule changes and trying to accommodate every request. Otherwise, the original purpose for implementing financial regulations in Formula 1 will be compromised.
“On the expense ceiling, it’s a bit different, from my point of view. We have rules, and we have changed them several times. For me, the important thing is stability, and if we start changing every week because someone wants to invest in something, that’s the end of stability. Today, it is Williams who would like to invest in a new ERP system. Tomorrow it will be someone else that he wants a new simulator, and so on. The Coast Cup is a big step in cost, performance levelling, and revenue for the teams, and we have gone in that direction. So either we are supportive, or it’s the end of this solution.” – the Ferrari boss added.
The first half of the current Formula 1 championship is now over and despite some difficult moments for the Maranello team this year, Ferrari secured a solid third place finish in the Belgian Grand Prix with Charles Leclerc. However, the French manager is aware there is a lot of work to do to recover the gap to Red Bull: “When you do my job, you don’t have to imagine the perfect structure. We always have to improve and change things because that’s what others do. I have a very clear idea, and stopping us would be stupid. We are making changes, and there will be more changes in the coming weeks, months and years. It’s a matter of constant improvement.” – he concluded.
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