Fred Vasseur and the parallel with Jean Todt: "Give Ferrari time"

Fred Vasseur and the parallel with Jean Todt: “Give Ferrari time” – Gerhard Berger. Gerhard Berger gives his blessing to Frédéric Vasseur's Ferrari, but it will take time.

Gerhard Berger speaks about Frédéric Vasseur’s Ferrari on the eve of the 2024 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, which is set to take place over 56 laps of the 5.513-kilometre Circuit of The Americas in Austin on Sunday, October 20. The Austrian, a former driver for the Prancing Horse, grants his blessing to the new management in Maranello in an interview with the Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. However, the work of the French engineer, who has been at the helm of the Scuderia for two years, still needs time to bring the World Championship back to Italy.

Austin will host the first leg of a triple-header that could definitively shape the 2024 Formula 1 season. There are still seven contenders for the Drivers’ title on paper, but only four seem to have progressively more concrete chances: Oscar Piastri with McLaren, Charles Leclerc with Ferrari, and the two major rivals of 2024, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

While the focus may appear to be on the duel between the Brit and the Dutchman, the Prancing Horse will not sit idly by. New updates for the SF-24 single-seater are expected in Austin, with work towards 2025 and 2026 still not fully prioritized. According to Gerhard Berger, Frédéric Vasseur’s intention is to fight until the end of the season, perhaps targeting the Constructors’ Championship.

“Ferrari has had many ups and downs so far,” the Austrian explains to Gazzetta dello Sport. “In certain races, it has been unbeatable, like in Monaco and Monza, and in others, it has fallen short. This means they could still be a nuisance to Red Bull and McLaren. I think they will fight until the last race without already thinking about 2025.” – he added.

“Fred Vasseur is a good team principal; he is building something important in Maranello, and I believe he can lead Ferrari to consistently compete at the top,” Gerhard Berger states. “After all, he is only in his second season with the Prancing Horse. Even Jean Todt needed time to open a winning cycle.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded.