Fred Vasseur Claims Ferrari still remain in... fight ahead of...

Fred Vasseur Claims Ferrari still remain in… fight ahead of… Read More

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has firmly stated that the iconic Italian team is still in the hunt for the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship despite recent challenges. This bold declaration comes after Ferrari’s mixed results at the Dutch Grand Prix, where Charles Leclerc secured a third-place finish and Carlos Sainz crossed the line in fifth. While this performance brought Ferrari 25 valuable points, it was still overshadowed by the dominance of McLaren, with Lando Norris winning the race.

At Zandvoort, Ferrari finished significantly behind Norris’ McLaren, with a gap of 25 and 32 seconds for Leclerc and Sainz, respectively. While the result contributed to Ferrari’s points tally, it wasn’t enough to close the gap in the title race. Currently, the Scuderia finds itself trailing Max Verstappen by 103 points in the Drivers’ Championship and is 164 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship. Additionally, Ferrari is 33 points behind Norris and 34 points behind McLaren in their respective standings.

Despite these setbacks, Vasseur remains optimistic about Ferrari’s chances in the 2024 season. Reflecting on the season so far, he emphasized that Ferrari has shown winning potential, citing victories earlier in the season at the Australian Grand Prix with Sainz and at Monaco with Leclerc. He believes that Ferrari has the capability to fight for the championship, even as the competition intensifies. “Red Bull dominated at the beginning,” Vasseur told Corriere Della Sera, “Then we did well, then McLaren, and finally Mercedes. It will be a rollercoaster until the end.”

Vasseur’s confidence stems from Ferrari’s ability to adapt and improve over the course of the season. He noted that Ferrari’s race wins earlier in the year prove that the team has the potential to compete at the top level. Despite some mistakes and challenges, Ferrari is still in the mix for the title, and Vasseur is determined to push forward with the team’s development efforts.

Looking ahead, Ferrari is gearing up for its home race at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, a track that holds special significance for the team and its passionate fanbase, the Tifosi. Ferrari is preparing to introduce a significant upgrade package for the race, which will include a new floor, updates to the rear suspension, and modifications to the diffuser. These upgrades are designed to address the instability issues that have plagued Ferrari’s car in recent races and provide a more stable platform for both Leclerc and Sainz.

The team has taken a cautious approach to its development in recent months after encountering setbacks with their upgrades at the Spanish Grand Prix. That particular update appeared to push Ferrari backward rather than forward, leading the team to adopt a more conservative strategy in the following races. Now, however, Ferrari is confident that its latest upgrade package will help the team regain the form that saw them secure nine podiums and two wins in the first eight races of the season.

Ferrari’s home race at Monza will be a crucial test of these new developments. The team is hoping that the upgrades will provide the drivers with the confidence and consistency needed to challenge for victory once again. With a more stable car setup, Ferrari aims to be back at the front, competing with Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes in the title fight.

In addition to its immediate focus on the 2024 season, Ferrari is also looking to the future. Vasseur confirmed that the development of the 2025 car is already well underway, ensuring that the team is not just fighting for the current championship but also building a foundation for sustained success in the coming years. This long-term vision reflects Ferrari’s commitment to returning to the top of Formula 1 and competing for championships on a consistent basis.

As the 2024 season progresses, Ferrari’s performance at Monza and the effectiveness of their upgrades will play a critical role in determining whether they can close the gap to their rivals and maintain their place in the title fight. For now, Vasseur’s optimism and Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of improvement are keeping the team’s championship hopes alive. The battle for the F1 crown is far from over, and Ferrari is determined to be in the mix until the very end.