Ferrari's Vasseur: Praise for Race Despite Results

Ferrari’s Vasseur isn’t fully pleased, yet commends the aggressive race strategy and thrilling finish.

Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari’s director, acknowledged he was not satisfied with the team’s results in Singapore this weekend. However, he also recognized that the race was largely about damage control following poor qualifying, and at this level, the mission was accomplished.

“We cannot be happy with finishing fifth and seventh over a weekend, but from Sunday, yes, starting ninth and tenth in Singapore, with no retirements ahead and an aggressive strategy,” Vasseur told Canal+.

“We split the two cars and Charles delivered an exceptional race finish, matching Norris’s pace. In a way, it heightens the frustration from the missed Saturday but it’s good for the six races ahead. It’s important for everyone’s morale to start the month like this.”

“He managed to match Norris’s pace for the last 25 laps, who was fighting for the fastest lap. Even Carlos, we had him pit early and then asked him to dial it back, but that was very good too.”

Asked about potential updates to the SF-24 after a four-week break, the Frenchman confirmed: “Of course, there will be developments, everyone will use the coming month to work on weaknesses, but it won’t be specific to Ferrari.”

Reflecting on his two drivers’ race, he admitted it was challenging to do better with their starting positions, but he commended Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s fast pace in the final laps.

“Carlos had a tough start after which he showed good pace, and in the final stages, Charles matched Norris’s pace and Russell wasn’t too far ahead at the end. We couldn’t really expect more than this fifth place considering our starting point.”

“We now have three full weeks until the next race and I expect all teams, including ourselves, to bring something new to Austin. It’s the first of a trio of races and I anticipate, as usual, that some of these three tracks will suit some teams better than others.”