It has been 33 days of intense and continuous work inside Ferrari. In Maranello, the team used the long break to redesign the SF-26, bringing forward planned upgrades and working extensively on regulatory adjustments introduced by the FIA. It was far from a simple process, as team principal Frédéric Vasseur explains.
“It is never easy to change the regulations during the season, because every modification impacts the relative performance of the cars. However, for once, I think we managed to do a good job. Aside from the updates, the feeling is that the SF-26 was born ‘healthy’, even though we believe that, at the moment, Mercedes is clearly one step ahead. Three poles and three wins, there is no argument about that,” said Vasseur.
Ferrari, on its side, has still managed to maximise every opportunity available in the opening phase of the season.
“I am satisfied because we have not left a single point on the table. Efficiency is the key, and from that point of view we have done everything right. I do not want to talk about potential, but we have maximised the points haul in the first three races,” he explained.
Now, however, the focus shifts to development.
“We are all at the beginning of the evolution of these cars. We have taken different directions and only time will tell which one is the right one. The development rate is very high for everyone, and probably after six or seven races we will see a more stable situation,” the French manager added.
Vasseur: “On ADUO we trust the FIA. The ‘Macarena’ wing? It will stay on the car”
The main technical focus remains the power unit, with development allowed under ADUO rules set to become a decisive factor in the coming weeks.
“Honestly, I think we will stay within the parameters. Now we need to trust the FIA: they will give us the numbers and we will base everything on that. We are talking about percentages that are difficult to assess, but you only need to look at straight-line speed to get an idea…” Frédéric Vasseur said.
While awaiting the Federation’s final decisions, Ferrari has also chosen to fully commit to its distinctive aerodynamic concept, including its flexible rear wing, nicknamed internally.
“No, this is not a test: from now on we are keeping the Macarena on the car,” he confirmed.
This decision reflects Ferrari’s confidence in the development direction currently being pursued by the Scuderia.
Behind the scenes, the role of the drivers in technical development remains central.
“The drivers are involved in discussions, they have always been involved,” Frédéric Vasseur explained. “The feedback we receive as a team comes also from their experience, so they are fully part of the process.”
This involvement fits into a structure that Vasseur strongly defends.
“We have a team that works, and if the system is holding up today, it is also because we have been able to introduce changes during the season. That was not guaranteed, in fact for me it was something quite exceptional,” he added.
Vasseur: “With DRS races were more artificial. Mercedes drivers not complaining? I am not surprised”
Finally, the political aspect: spectacle and criticism of the regulations.
“I am less harsh when judging the first races,” Frédéric Vasseur said. “We have seen good racing and a lot of overtaking. You can say some things look artificial, but for me they are less artificial than DRS. Before, you just had to press a button; today it is energy management, it depends on drivers and teams, it is not artificial.”
However, discussions about the future are already ongoing, especially regarding engines.
“We have several options on the table and it will soon be time to discuss them. But from the beginning we set a clear goal: to reduce the crazy costs of power units, for manufacturers but also for customer teams and for the good of Formula 1,” he said.
As for the next generation of F1 regulations, opinions in the paddock remain divided.
“It is always the same story: some drivers speak more than others. Even in 2022 some were very critical, others less so. It happens with every new regulation,” Frédéric Vasseur explained.
And the reason, he says, is simple.
“It is part of a driver’s DNA: they want to fight, they want to be at the front. And it is clear that George Russell or Kimi Antonelli today speak less compared to others who are further back,” he concluded.
Fred Vasseur therefore remains optimistic about Ferrari’s development path, emphasizing that maximizing current opportunities while trusting the FIA’s regulatory oversight is the team’s best strategy to close the gap to Mercedes.
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