The drastic shift in Ferrari’s competitiveness, technique, and Hamilton & Leclerc’s races: Vasseur evaluations the Austin GP
On Friday, the Dash Qualifying outcomes hinted at a repeat of the Singapore GP or probably a good worse situation. The SF-25 didn’t seem aggressive, struggling amid midfield battles, even ending behind a Williams whereas Carlos Sainz reached the rostrum within the Dash Race. Nevertheless, the modifications carried out after the mini-race had extremely optimistic results, and each Qualifying and the Grand Prix showcased a livelier Ferrari. Charles Leclerc was capable of battle virtually all the race with Lando Norris, regardless of the McLaren being quicker, due to an aggressive technique and the Monegasque driver’s flawless efficiency. Fred Vasseur defined, “Beginning on Gentle tyres was of venture, however every thing was underneath management. We weren’t certain if others would go Medium-Laborious or Medium-Gentle, and we positively excluded Medium-Laborious by beginning on Gentle. The plan was to be P1 on the primary lap, and even when we didn’t totally obtain that, the technique labored. It was the best choice for us.”
After the race, Fred Vasseur instantly praised Leclerc’s efficiency: “He delighted us with an unimaginable protection in opposition to Lando. He had a stable weekend and drove aggressively, very effectively. I’m very glad for him and the crew.” There’s a clear sense of pleasure within the work the crew completed over the weekend, turning round a scenario that would have induced frustration. From Friday to Saturday, Ferrari’s efficiency improved considerably, particularly in Qualifying. Fred Vasseur famous, “It’s true for us, Mercedes, McLaren, and Pink Bull. I don’t know in the event that they misplaced something, however we actually gained, particularly when in comparison with Williams.”
The Ferrari crew boss emphasised that the advance isn’t just concerning the automotive’s potential however concerning the package deal as an entire and tyre administration. “It has been tough for everybody to get the tyres into the right working window, and that’s been the case because the begin of the season. It might be extra noticeable with us as a result of a mistake can drop us to P10, whereas McLaren or Pink Bull can keep in P2-P3.” The Frenchman repeatedly highlighted the wonderful work carried out in the course of the weekend and Ferrari’s gradual enchancment all through the periods.
A race to decode for Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton’s race was a bit tougher to interpret, although the post-race rationalization clarified the ultimate laps. Fred Vasseur defined, “Lewis had a great tempo from the beginning of the weekend, one thing we’ve seen persistently in current races. Right here, he most likely missed a lap in Q3, however we’re managing to enhance and put every thing collectively.” Hamilton struggled to maintain up together with his teammate within the second half of the race, after a powerful first stint on Medium tyres. Fred Vasseur added, “The Gentle tyres have been a problem; even Lando needed to handle them earlier than pushing once more. It was unsure whether or not Lewis might do the total stint, as no long-run testing was doable earlier than the race. We have been conservative at first, however the tempo on the finish was good.”
In the course of the press convention, there was nonetheless no clear rationalization for Hamilton’s late-race drop. Lewis confirmed in interviews that Leclerc’s technique was the higher alternative, shedding important floor within the second stint and experiencing a problem on the final lap from flip 5 onwards, probably linked to a tyre downside. Oscar Piastri and George Russell had closed the hole, and with yet one more lap, Hamilton risked shedding positions or worse penalties.
The battle for second place within the championship intensifies
“Three groups are inside 10 factors,” Fred Vasseur commented. “Max is scoring essential factors at each race, however the important thing for us is to have two automobiles persistently within the factors and quick. This is a bonus for Ferrari, and we should capitalize on it. We have now to push till the final lap in Abu Dhabi. Regardless that our focus is already on 2026, we need to end second within the championship.”
The podium in Austin offered a lift for Ferrari, setting a optimistic pattern to hold into Mexico. Alongside a powerful weekend, encouraging phrases from John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna additionally helped the crew’s morale. the French supervisor added, “It’s optimistic to learn these messages, not a lot for these of us contained in the crew, as we have now each day communication, however for the skin world. These phrases cease hypothesis and stop me from answering all of the questions concerning the future.” – the Ferrari crew boss concluded.
