Fred Vasseur highlights Ferrari’s significant progress in crucial area amid SF-24 design. Fred Vasseur identifies the key area where Ferrari has progressed the most.

In a remarkable turn of events, Ferrari surpasses Red Bull, at least for one weekend, and secures a remarkable 1-2 finish in Australia at the Albert Park circuit, alongside clinching the fastest lap of the race with Charles Leclerc. This achievement significantly narrows Red Bull’s lead in the standings. Carlos Sainz’s superb start catapulted him to victory, overtaking Max Verstappen, who just a few laps later was forced to retire from the Melbourne race. Notably, Charles Leclerc, not far behind, successfully outpaced Norris and Piastri to claim second position. Team Principal Fred Vasseur expressed utmost satisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly praising the SF-24’s exceptional tire management, evident from its minimal graining compared to its rivals.

Since the pre-season testing session, discussions have revolved around the Ferrari SF-24 being akin to a 1.0 version of this year’s car, with significant upgrades expected to enhance performance and narrow the gap to Red Bull. The SF-24 embodies contrasting characteristics compared to its predecessor from the previous season.

Highlighted multiple times, the car boasts excellent front-end grip, substantial aerodynamic downforce, and excels in medium-speed corners. In Melbourne, the car’s versatility was further demonstrated, showcasing competitiveness across three distinct sectors throughout both qualifying and race day.

Yet, amidst fierce competition, none could match Ferrari’s impeccable balance in Melbourne. This superiority would have been even more pronounced on a sprint race weekend.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized the Italian side’s most crucial strength during the recent race weekend: The car is much more drivable than last year. It’s easier for the drivers. But also for us to develop, and we hope that this is the key to improving during the season,” – added the French manager.

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Over the course of the initial trio of Grand Prix events, the Ferrari SF-24 showcased remarkable prowess in tire management. Bahrain, Jeddah, and Australia each posed unique challenges for contemporary F1 machinery. Throughout these diverse circuits, Ferrari remained highly competitive, instilling confidence in its drivers: “We have improved a lot in tyre management, but also because we have a more predictable and easier car to drive. This helps a lot with the tyres,” Frederic Vasseur pointed out.

Thanks to the car’s favorable handling characteristics, both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz can confidently push the limits of the vehicle. Undoubtedly, the standout narrative of the weekend revolved around Carlos Sainz’s remarkable journey from the operating room, where he underwent surgery for appendicitis, to clinching victory in Melbourne with apparent ease. All this unfolded in a season marked by uncertainty about his future.

“In the winter, we already said to ourselves that we will all give 100% until the last lap. And that’s what we are doing” Fred Vasseur continued, without ever questioning the professionalism and talent of the Spaniard, who will leave the Maranello team at the end of the current championship.

Certainly, all of this bodes well for Carlos Sainz, who is consistently showcasing his abilities and sending signals to teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, or Audi, who are in search of drivers for the upcoming season: “It was important for him to be there from the beginning, that’s where he started to build this victory,” explained the French manager, who was also surprised by his driver’s performance, taking into consideration the difficult circumstances.

Frederic Vasseur also highlighted the feedback from his other drivers, including Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman, who emerged as a big surprise in Jeddah but didn’t have a particularly strong weekend at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne: “I repeat what I said in Jeddah. He has to return to F2 and concentrate on his championship. However, we must read Ollie’s weekend carefully” – the Ferrari boss concluded.