Ferrari insists on its commitment to perfection after disqualifications in Shanghai, clarifying that aggressive tactics were behind the penalties, not cheating.
Ferrari’s pursuit of perfection went “too far” in China, according to Fred Vasseur, the team’s director.
Italian media have described Ferrari’s 2025 car project as ambitious but “immature,” a sentiment that became evident during the Shanghai race weekend. Lewis Hamilton won the F1 sprint from pole position but faced difficulties in the 56-lap Grand Prix that followed.
Things got worse after the race when FIA technical inspectors ruled both Ferrari cars illegal: Hamilton for having a worn-out plank, and Charles Leclerc for being underweight.
“We had to be too aggressive. That’s just how it is. This setback shows we are striving for perfection, and sometimes, we push too far,” Vasseur explained to L’Equipe.
“There’s a difference between being disqualified for taking risks and being disqualified for cheating.”
In both cases, the cars were very close to the legal limits. Leclerc’s car was just 1 kg underweight, likely due to worn tires from an unexpected one-stop strategy, and Hamilton’s plank was 0.5mm too worn.
“The goal in F1 is to push all parameters to the limit, everywhere,” Vasseur continued. “From the last gram of weight, to the last tenth of a millimeter on the floor plank, to the last millimeter of flex on the wings.”
“As the pressure mounts, the battle intensifies. The closer we get to those limits, the higher the risks we take.”
Despite the challenges, Ferrari is not giving up on the 2025 championship, even with McLaren’s current advantage.
Vasseur remains cautious about assessing Ferrari’s chances, but promises the team will keep working relentlessly toward their goal.
“Of course, McLaren is in great form. But that doesn’t mean the championship is over for us,” he said.
“We’re talking about a tenth or a tenth and a half per lap. You can go from sixth to first place, or vice versa. So, we need to stay calm, focus on the steps ahead, and continue improving the car until the very end.”
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Vasseur Defends Ferrari’s Pursuit of F1 Perfection
Vasseur Defends Ferrari’s Pursuit of F1 Perfection
