The head of the Ferrari team, Frederic Vasseur, is thrilled with Charles Leclerc’s victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, stating that it exemplifies the team’s new opportunistic approach compared to previous Formula 1 seasons. Despite a challenging start in the previous season, Ferrari managed to finish just three points behind second place. However, Vasseur believes the team needs to be even more opportunistic and efficient. In the current campaign, Ferrari has maintained its momentum by securing two wins and nine podiums, putting them just 24 points behind Red Bull. The team has consistently scored points in all eight races, with the only setback being Leclerc’s brake issue in Bahrain. As competition among the top teams intensifies, Vasseur praises Ferrari’s progress in maximizing their own results. He highlights recent races in Miami, Imola, Melbourne, and others, where Ferrari has been on par with their rivals. Vasseur emphasizes the excitement of having at least three teams capable of competing for pole position and victory, including Mercedes. He acknowledges that different tracks may favor different teams, but Ferrari will remain opportunistic throughout the season, learning from past mistakes of losing valuable points. Vasseur expresses confidence in Ferrari’s progress and their determination to remain competitive until the end of the season.
Vasseur refuted any claims that internal motivation to restore Ferrari to its former glory was lacking, but noted that the renewed competitiveness helped sharpen their focus.
“It’s not about motivation because we’ve had it for some time, but it’s about self-confidence for the drivers and the team,” he explained.
“When you are in a position to win, you start paying more attention to the details, and that has a domino effect.
“And I believe that is part of the progress we have made in the last six or seven months.”
However, Vasseur warned that Ferrari must continue to seek improvements in all aspects of its operation, as the competition at the front intensifies in the upcoming races.
“We need to keep pushing like this, but the worst thing we can do is assume that everything is ready and will remain so until the end. I am convinced that before that, we will encounter different tracks with varied layouts and characteristics that may favor McLaren or Red Bull. It will be a rollercoaster until the end of the season,” he continued.
“We need to secure valuable points when we are not at the top and take advantage of the opportunity to win when we are there, but nothing is set in stone.”
