The appointment of Frederic Vasseur as head of the Ferrari Formula 1 team immediately made fans and F1 insiders think of the figure of Jean Todt, due to their common origin from France. Clearly the Ferrari fans are hoping he can have a similarly very successful experience in Maranello in terms of sporting results, given that the former FIA president managed to win six drivers’ world titles – five with Michael Schumacher and one with Kimi Raikkonen, while also taking seven Constructor’ championships for the Maranello team.
And Frederic Vasseur himself didn’t hesitate to talk about his illustrious compatriot, revealing in the first meeting in Maranello with foreign journalists that he intended to meet with Jean Todt and get some advice from the expert manager.
During a discussion for English broadcaster Sky F1, journalist Ted Kravitz explained that he can identify in the former Renault and Alfa Romeo Sauber team principal some common traits with the 76-year-old from Pierrefort: “It will be interesting to observe Fred Vasseur, who has put himself in ‘Jean Todt mode’, i.e. he did not make bombastic statements or particular phrases that stand out.”
“He did say one thing, about having or not a first driver status. In fact, he explained that Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will have the exact same status in the start of the season, until the moment in which he decides that naming a first driver will be in Ferrari’s interest. And he specified that he’ll make that call. And it is much more than what Mattia Binotto ever said on the subject” – the British Formula One pit-lane reporter explained.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
Ted Kravitz finally explained that he was impressed by the SF-23 challenger presented on February 14th and he is confident the Maranello team will be able to get involved in the duel for the 2023 Formula 1 titles: “Ferrari has fixed last year’s car here and there, including the power unit. Tests done in the winter gave positive results on the engine side, so they didn’t do anything adventurous on the SF-23. Personally, I have high hopes for Ferrari and I think they are ready to stay ahead and support the fight for the world championship with Red Bull for the entire duration of the championship.” – the Sky Sports F1 reporter concluded.
Leave a Reply