Fred Vasseur slams hypocrisy over Ferrari’s upgrades: “When others do it, they are geniuses”. Frederic Vasseur responds to Toto Wolff after Ferrari's Silverstone upgrades.

Ferrari upgrades, Frederic Vasseur hits back: “When others bring updates they’re geniuses, when we do it we’re cheating”

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur did not hold back after Lewis Hamilton secured Sprint pole position for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The Frenchman used his post-session press conference to respond forcefully to recent comments made by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff regarding Ferrari’s latest developments.

Ferrari boss rejects criticism after Silverstone breakthrough

Ferrari enjoyed a memorable Sprint Qualifying session at Silverstone, with Lewis Hamilton taking pole position by just 11 thousandths of a second ahead of championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Following the session, the Mercedes driver admitted he was surprised by Ferrari’s level of performance, particularly its impressive straight-line speed. The Scuderia had introduced further updates for the SF-26 at Silverstone, shortly after remarks from Toto Wolff that did not sit well with Frederic Vasseur.

Speaking to the media, the Ferrari team principal expressed his frustration with what he believes is a double standard in the way Ferrari’s developments are viewed compared to those of its main rivals.

“I found Toto’s comments, and Mercedes‘ comments in general, rather ironic,” Vasseur said during the press conference. “When Red Bull or Mercedes bring developments, they’re considered geniuses. When we do it, apparently we’re cheating.”

“I think everyone needs to calm down a little on this subject. We haven’t brought any more components than Red Bull or any other team. I don’t know whether it was meant as a joke, because if you take it seriously it almost sounds like an accusation that we’re not respecting the budget cap.”

Frederic Vasseur: “Ask Toto what he was referring to”

Frederic Vasseur continued by insisting that Ferrari’s latest package should not be exaggerated, suggesting that the perception surrounding the team’s upgrades is often very different from reality.

“You should ask Toto what he was referring to,” Vasseur added. “I simply find it strange. Sometimes people get the impression that we’re bringing a huge upgrade package, when in reality it’s just a few modified components—nothing more.”

The exchange adds another chapter to the growing rivalry between Ferrari and Mercedes, with the two teams now closely matched on performance following Ferrari’s impressive showing during Sprint Qualifying at Silverstone.