Fred Vasseur’s positive message: “Ferrari is clearly growing, we are working to challenge Red Bull"

Fred Vasseur’s positive message: “Ferrari is clearly growing, we are working to challenge Red Bull”. Fred Vasseur discussed Ferrari's current form.

Fred Vasseur continues to describe Ferrari as a rough gem that is still growing. In an exclusive interview with Motorsport during the Imola GP, the Maranello team principal assessed the current situation of the Italian team.

“Ferrari is definitely in good shape as a team, but the car also plays its part. It’s certainly much easier to have a good strategy when the car is performing well, while when the car is not at its best, it can make strategic choices seem wrong. Everything is definitely connected, and we have improved in all aspects,” says Fred Vasseur.

“Compared to last year, the big step forward has been in race pace. We have greatly reduced those problems, and even with strategies, we can make much better choices. The work done is paying off, especially considering how many points we left on the table last season… this is definitely a good sign for the future.”

Fred Vasseur is fully aware that Red Bull is still too far ahead and remains strong due to its nearly perfect 2023 Formula 1 season, dominating all competitors. For this reason, the team principal knows that Ferrari’s mistake last season was losing points to Mercedes and McLaren, its direct rivals for second place in the constructors’ standings.

Fred Vasseur: “Ferrari Has Become Efficient”

“But the start of this season has been very different. We have maximized all the races. Only in Jeddah did we have to settle, but it was no one’s fault. Unfortunately, Carlos Sainz had to retire and give way to Oliver Bearman. Yet, aside from that race, we have always taken the maximum possible,” continues the French engineer.

“We are growing. So far, we have been as efficient as possible, and this can only be positive. Last year we lost too many points to Mercedes, but now they are the ones losing them. This means we have made progress.” – he pointed out.

“We are working to have a better car capable of fighting with Red Bull. But even here, the potential of the car must be converted into championship points; otherwise, it makes no sense. The season has started very well, but we cannot draw conclusions now. We need to wait and continue in this way,” concludes Fred Vasseur.