As Ferrari heads to Brazil for the high-stakes Brazilian Grand Prix sprint weekend, team principal Fred Vasseur has cautioned that the race at Interlagos will push teams to the limit, demanding intense physical and mental endurance. This sprint race, the third of the season, holds critical weight as Ferrari chases down McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing by only 29 points with just four races remaining.
With Ferrari recently in red-hot form, having secured the most points in the last two races, Vasseur emphasized that every point is crucial as the season heads to the wire. He also noted the unpredictable weather at Interlagos as a significant factor in Ferrari’s approach to the weekend.
“Another Sprint weekend awaits us at Interlagos, which requires a great deal of physical and mental effort,” Vasseur explained. “The weather often plays a leading role in Brazil, so maximum concentration and readiness to seize every opportunity will be essential.”
The Ferrari camp is coming off a strong showing in Mexico, where Carlos Sainz clinched his second win of the season after a commanding pole-to-flag performance. Vasseur was quick to praise Sainz’s tactical wisdom, highlighting how the Spaniard showed remarkable composure and confidence, surrendering a position early on to strategically reclaim it later.
“It was a very clever move,” Vasseur said. “You can fight for three or four corners, but that costs precious seconds, and you risk a penalty. Sainz was self-assured, giving up a position with the confidence he’d get it back when it counted.”
With Sainz set to depart Ferrari for Williams Racing on a multi-year deal next season, he’s eager to end his Ferrari chapter on a high note by aiding the team’s title bid. The weekend’s first practice at Interlagos will be pivotal in fine-tuning Ferrari’s strategy as they look to narrow the gap with McLaren and capitalize on their recent momentum.
As Ferrari preps for the sprint format challenge, the stakes are higher than ever for Vasseur and his team. Fans can expect a spectacle in Brazil, with Ferrari set to push every boundary in its pursuit of a championship finish.
