In the Singapore Grand Prix at the 4.94-kilometre Marina Bay Street Circuit, Ferrari was the protagonist of a race that was certainly satisfying in terms of execution and pace, even though the final result was clearly disappointing (P5, P7), as the SF-24 single-seater confirmed to have very fast pace, close to that of McLaren and Lando Norris, establishing itself as at least the second strongest team on the grid. This is an aspect that certainly pleased Frederic Vasseur, but it also increases the regret from the previous day.
Fred Vasseur: “Charles at Norris’ level, there was good pace but more regret for yesterday”
The Ferrari Team Principal appeared with a markedly different mood compared to the previous day, after the disappointing qualifying. However, this does not erase the mistakes, and in the end, Ferrari could not aim for the podium or better results due to their poor starting positions. “It was a good Sunday for us, a positive race for both sides of the garage. This, yes, perhaps increases the frustration for yesterday because we compromised the weekend.”
The SF-24 confirmed significant potential in the race, as Frederic Vasseur immediately wanted to emphasize, making sure not to overlook his team’s performance. “In the last 25 laps, with clean air, Charles had the same pace as Lando Norris,” the Frenchman quickly pointed out. In the end, Maranello takes home a result that is a small consolation: “Nothing magical, but a good result and good points. Difficult to do better in the race.” – the French manager pointed out.
According to Frederic Vasseur, the regret is that Ferrari, after a good Friday and a difficult qualifying, proved to be on McLaren’s level on Sunday.
There is a lot of time before Austin, a long four-week break, to analyze what has happened over the past few weeks. “It’s positive to finish this period with a strong performance, now we have time to analyze what happened,” Frederic Vasseur said. The Team Principal doesn’t rule out, in fact, he even expects, the possibility that new parts will arrive from Maranello to improve the SF-24 and continue Ferrari’s current momentum. “Everyone will be working and trying to bring the final updates. We have four weeks and will do our best to understand our weaknesses and work to improve for Austin.” – the Ferrari team principal concluded at the end of round 18 of the 2024 Formula 1 championship.
