During the so-called “spring break” period, the Formula 1 world has been working intensely behind the scenes. Mechanics, engineers, and drivers have all been busy across their respective departments, carefully analyzing the data collected from the opening three races of the season and implementing improvements to their cars.
It is therefore no coincidence that the Miami paddock was filled with new wings and updated sidepods being transported on trolleys, while the official list of upgrades published by the FIA turned out to be longer than ever. In particular, Ferrari introduced as many as 11 updates, followed by Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull, each bringing seven new components to their cars.
Speaking to the media, team principal Fred Vasseur outlined the initial feedback from Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc regarding the “B” specification of the SF-26. “The drivers feel good, but we have to remember that this is the first session of the year with this type of temperature, and that makes a difference for everyone. The results will only come after qualifying,” he said candidly.
The Frenchman also made it clear that Ferrari’s development push is far from over. “We are still at the beginning of the development process, we have taken a different direction and only the future will tell us if it was the right one. Between this race and the next, we will bring a large number of updates, just like the others will, and then the grid should stabilize,” Fred Vasseur revealed.
Providing further confidence within the team is the fact that the project itself appears solid from its foundations. In the opening two races of the season, Ferrari was the second-fastest team on the grid, although it now faces increasing pressure from McLaren.
“Mercedes is one step ahead of everyone, and nobody can deny that. I am satisfied because we have maximized our package, we have not left any points on the table and everything went in the right direction in terms of strategy,” Fred Vasseur added during the press conference.
Leave a Reply