Fred Vasseur sets target for Abu Dhabi GP: "Gap to Mercedes is small, let's beat them!"

Fred Vasseur sets target for Abu Dhabi GP: “Gap to Mercedes is small, let’s beat them!”. Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur on main goal for 2023 F1 Abu Dhabi GP.

Final Push
In Abu Dhabi, in what will be the last act of the 2023 Formula 1 season, attention will be mainly focused on the Mercedes-Ferrari challenge. Obviously, the World Championship title is not at stake, but – apart from the historic rivalry between two of the most important manufacturers in the world – the role of the second force behind Red Bull would be a significant accolade to enter the off-season with greater awareness of their capabilities for the 2024Formula One season. The clash, as emphasized by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff himself, essentially starts from scratch.

At the Yas Marina circuit, Mercedes will have a minimal advantage, just four points. Almost certainly, whoever can better interpret the characteristics of the Emirates circuit will prevail in the race for the role of vice-champion. After the great exploit in Las Vegas, optimism is in the air at Scuderia Ferrari. It’s no secret that the layout of Abu Dhabi will be less favorable than the Strip, but the team principal of the red team, Frederic Vasseur, has tried to motivate the team to the maximum for the last trip of the year.

Fred Vasseur’s Determination
“We have reached the end of this season, and it’s time for all of us to make the final effort before a well-deserved rest. In Las Vegas, we showed that we can work very well and handle even the most unusual situations without losing focus,” commented the French manager, making a clear reference to the ‘manhole-gate’ incident that marred Carlos Sainz’s Las Vegas weekend. “We must continue like this in Abu Dhabi, where we arrive having almost completely closed the gap in the Constructors’ Championship from Mercedes for the second position.” – the Ferrari team principal pointed out.

“We have now learned about our car, and we know that its level of competitiveness in Abu Dhabi will not be equal to that of Las Vegas,” Fred Vasseur added – “But we are also well aware of how close the values are among the teams occupying the positions from second to fourth. Every detail can make a difference, and the positive outcome of our season will be played point by point. We want to come out on top; we must give it our all.” – the French manager concluded ahead of the final round of the 2023 Formula 1 championship, which is scheduled to take place next weekend.