Ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur immediately rejected the accusation of possible problems regarding the simulator-track data correlation, simply ‘blaming’ the competitors, in this case Red Bull, who took to the track with an overall better package than theirs, prompting Ferrari to work to find more performance.
However, Frederic Vasseur admits that the SF-23 “has a lot of room for improvement. I don’t understand the discussions about the concept of the car, for me it’s a problem of performance, not of concept. In Bahrain our balance wasn’t right and this also took away the drivers’ confidence. By working on this we will already be able to make improvements.” – the pointed out.
When asked directly by the Italian media, he also wanted to minimize the problems that emerged in Bahrain with porpoising or bouncing. “We are always on the edge with this phenomenon. But it’s not affecting our performance and therefore it’s not a problem per se.” Fred Vasseur explained further that as of today Ferrari are a step behind Red Bull, but he believes the SF-23 still has room for improvement and that one race shouldn’t dampen the team’s spirits. “We know we have problems in terms of reliability and performance, as well as driveability. We have to work to solve them and take a step forward.” – he added.
“At the presentation there was enthusiasm, it is true. I too was enthusiastic about the challenge that awaits me, but I never referred to the position of the opponents. In winter they are all world champions.” Fred Vasseur said with a few laughs aimed at eliminating the tension of the last few days. Statements that leave us rather perplexed given the clarity expressed that day, with the stated goal of winning the world championship. And to win the titles you need to be in a better position than your opponents: “I’ve always said that the championship isn’t won in Bahrain and therefore, even if you win the first race, you can’t relax. We now have an opportunity for redemption. I’m not that negative; we have analyzed Bahrain and there is a long list of things to improve, which you too can understand, and Jeddah will be a first appointment to try to react” – the Ferrari team principal continued.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
Frederic Vasseur did not want to dwell too much on other rivals other than those who lead the standings ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, namely Red Bull. “Aston Martin? They certainly did well. Last year in Jeddah they were out in Q1 with both cars so this real progress. It is also encouraging for us, because it means that in a few months it is also possible to take a big step forward. But I want to focus on Ferrari, not on Mercedes, Aston Martin or others. We have to improve.” – the Ferrari boss concluded.
Leave a Reply