Ferrari Targets Bold Evolution for 2025 Push

Ferrari’s 2025 campaign will focus on bold innovations and relentless progress, with Vasseur emphasizing risk-taking as a cornerstone for success.

Frédéric Vasseur reflected on Ferrari’s season, expressing satisfaction with the Scuderia’s progress across all areas in 2024 compared to 2023.

“It was a good season for us, with highs and lows like everyone else, but with more highs than lows,” said Vasseur. “It was a very strong season compared to 2023.”

“We’re moving in the right direction. We’ve improved across all pillars of performance—reliability, strategy, pit stops, pure performance—and in the key performance indicators. We had five wins compared to one, and we scored 60% more points in 2024 than in 2023.”

“Everything is going in the right direction. We missed the final step, but when we arrived in Abu Dhabi, the chances of winning were very slim. After Saturday, they were even slimmer. By the second or third lap, I thought, ‘The stars are almost aligned now, let’s push.'”

“But it wasn’t in Abu Dhabi that we missed something. Abu Dhabi was a good weekend. It was more in Canada, where we had a double zero, or in the summer where we fell short.”

The Frenchman explained that the team is constantly evolving, both in their work and approach: “There’s no big difference. We’re trying to improve performance in every area, in every department. It’s about taking one small step at a time.”

“It’s not about having a game-changer—there’s no magic solution. We need to maintain this mindset and push every team member to do better, to try saving a gram on every part. I think we’ve made good progress over the past month.”

“Of course, it’s not enough, but we are moving in the right direction. It’s an endless project, an ongoing process of recruiting, developing, and striving to do better.”

Vasseur also praised Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, his drivers, for an excellent 2024 season. He highlighted the Monegasque’s progress in his approach and the dynamic between the two drivers.

“I think Charles has made a step forward in race management—not just tire management, but overall race management. Regarding his approach, I feel he was a bit more… not focused, but less distracted at times.”

“Overall, Charles had a strong season. It wasn’t always easy. Even when we faced tough moments, like in Austria, Spain, and the UK, he managed to bounce back with a positive attitude. I think that reaction was important for him and for the team.”

“For Carlos, this progress began last year. He came back after the summer break with a very high level of performance—the podium at Monza, the pole at Monza, the win in Singapore—and that pushed Charles to respond, eventually securing six or seven front-row starts in a row.”

“From there, I believe we made a strong step forward, which contributed to the team’s recovery. They’ve always pushed each other—in the right way—and have done very well. I’m very pleased with their relationship.”

The Frenchman also confirmed that Ferrari would not rest on its laurels in development for 2025, with the Scuderia planning aggressive upgrades for next year’s car.

“Everyone takes risks. If you don’t take risks, you’re dead. We know the development of this car is never easy because we are at the peak of development, and it becomes increasingly difficult.”

“Everyone takes risks, and we must do the same because 2025 will be an unusual season. We’ll need to shift focus to the 2026 project quite early, which means the car you bring to the track in Bahrain will be crucial.”

He also advocates for continuous self-assessment within the Scuderia: “I want to maintain the same approach as last year in terms of recruitment, development, and continuous improvement. This mindset is part of the DNA of every F1 team.”

“If at any point you say you’re in good shape, I think it’s the beginning of the end. You must push the limits in every area every day and arrive at the factory each morning saying: I need to do a better job than yesterday. If you have this approach, I believe you’re on the right track.”