Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur: Barcelona Shakedown Marks a Pivotal Moment for F1 Team
In a thrilling twist to the Formula 1 preseason, Ferrari’s team principal Fred Vasseur has heralded the recent shakedown in Barcelona as a monumental leap forward for the Scuderia. As the team dives headfirst into the intricacies of the SF-26, Vasseur’s enthusiasm is palpable—a sentiment amplified by Ferrari’s impressive performance that saw them edge out formidable rivals Mercedes on the Thursday lap charts.
With both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc pushing their limits, the duo collectively tore up the track, completing an astounding 170 laps—just ahead of Mercedes’ 168, who had been the mileage kings throughout the three-day run. However, while all eyes were on the seemingly flawless debut of the Mercedes W17, Vasseur remains steadfast in his belief that Ferrari’s accomplishments during this shakedown are equally commendable.
“It was an intriguing first day with slick tires for us,” Vasseur remarked. “Our inaugural day was marred by wet conditions, but Thursday transformed into a fantastic session, with 180 laps logged. This is vital for our team’s growth, allowing us to gather crucial insights about the car.”
He emphasized the importance of accumulating mileage, stating, “The more laps we complete, the more knowledge we gain, and this is essential for our development. We have a long road ahead before the season kicks off in Melbourne, but this marks a significant first step.”
As the team gears up for more action on Friday, Vasseur acknowledged that despite the positive momentum, the journey has just begun. “There’s still a lot of work ahead, but today was a very good one. It’s crucial for us to be able to run and accumulate mileage. While I feel we can do more, there comes a point when you have to pause to refuel!”
The shakedown in Barcelona, although preliminary, holds substantial weight this year due to the all-new nature of the 2026 cars. Vasseur stressed that the urgency to log laps has never been greater. “We have an extensive list of parameters to assess—from aerodynamics and mechanics to engine performance and energy deployment. Each aspect requires thorough examination, and the best method to achieve this is to stay on the track.”
While the shakedown serves as a stepping stone, the ultimate focus will soon shift to performance as the team prepares for two crucial tests in Bahrain next month. Vasseur is clear on the immediate goal: “We must keep in mind that performance will eventually become critical, but for now, our priority was to accumulate mileage—and we accomplished that.”
Leclerc echoed Vasseur’s sentiments, revealing the team’s ambitious agenda. “The checklist remains extensive, with numerous elements we still want to explore, from car setups to new systems. Performance-wise, it’s still a mystery; nothing indicates where we stand in comparison to others.”
As Ferrari fans brace themselves for the upcoming season, one thing is certain: the Scuderia is not just participating in the race— they are gearing up to make a statement. With Vasseur’s leadership and a commitment to relentless improvement, the road to victory might just be illuminated by the fiery spirit of Ferrari.
