Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has stepped in to defend Charles Leclerc, pushing back against the driver’s self-criticism following a challenging Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. Despite Ferrari’s impressive form since Monza, with back-to-back wins in Austin and Mexico City, the Brazilian GP exposed vulnerabilities in the SF-24, especially in tire management.
Ferrari’s recent momentum in the Constructors’ Championship took a hit at Interlagos, a notoriously tricky track made worse by wet weather. The team struggled to keep tire temperatures optimal, with both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz battling low grip and inconsistent handling—particularly after pit stops and during safety car periods. While Leclerc cited his own setup choices as a major issue, Vasseur stood by his driver, suggesting the team’s broader approach played a larger role.
“Charles is always the first to blame himself, but I don’t believe he’s entirely responsible for the setup issues,” Vasseur explained. “It was a tough Sunday, but not a disaster overall. The decision to pit without waiting for a potential red flag cost us more time than expected, especially on a slippery exit.”
Leclerc’s pit stop saw him lose valuable time in traffic, and Vasseur acknowledged that waiting for the Virtual Safety Car or red flag may have been the better call. Sainz, meanwhile, faced his own woes, ending his race in the barriers at Turn 7.
Ferrari’s tire troubles were apparent all weekend, with both cars struggling to adapt to Interlagos’ slippery surface and unpredictable weather—a hallmark of the Brazilian circuit. Yet, despite the setback, Vasseur remained upbeat, noting Ferrari’s resilience in the standings and focusing on the opportunities in the final races.
“We knew Brazil would challenge us and favor McLaren more,” Vasseur admitted. “Even so, we didn’t lose too much ground in the points. It’s not about avoiding losses but scoring as many points as possible. Las Vegas should offer us a better track for our car.”
With McLaren leading Ferrari by 36 points, the Scuderia is facing down a tight Constructors’ Championship battle as they aim for their first title since 2008. Vasseur’s optimism underscores Ferrari’s continued focus on clawing back that deficit, even as they navigate a tough final stretch.
