Vasseur Dismisses 'Disaster' Label for Ferrari Amidst Recent Struggles

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is pushing back against a growing narrative of crisis at Maranello, insisting that calling the Scuderia's 2025 campaign a "complete disaster" is inaccurate. While recent results have been challenging, Vasseur believes the team's overall position in the Constructors' standings prior to recent slip-ups indicates the situation is not as dire as some portray.

Why it matters:

After a recent dip in performance and a double DNF in Brazil, Ferrari's position in the Constructors' Championship has fallen to fourth, 53 points behind Mercedes. This slump has fueled a familiar wave of criticism and concern among fans and media. Vasseur's comments aim to temper these expectations and refocus on the underlying progress, even as operational missteps have compounded the on-track difficulties.

The details:

• Performance Slump: Ferrari scored only six points in Brazil (all from the sprint race) and would have gained nine in Las Vegas, but still lost ground to direct rivals.
• Championship Position: The team briefly climbed to second after the Brazil sprint but has since been overtaken by Red Bull's strong performances and now sits fourth, behind Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren.
• Vasseur's Stance: He acknowledged the team's disappointing six to seven points over the last two weekends but emphasized that Ferrari was P2 in the championship just two weeks prior. He stated, "Disaster is not the right word."
• Operational Issues: Beyond the car's inherent performance, Vasseur admitted to strategic and communication errors:
  • Hamilton's Q1 Exit: Mismanaged communication left him unsure if he had enough time for another qualifying lap.
  • Leclerc's Undercut: Leclerc fell victim to Oscar Piastri's undercut due to Ferrari's uncertainty about tire life, keeping him out three laps longer than ideal.
• Tire Life Uncertainty: The lack of long-run data on hard-compound tires during disrupted practice sessions contributed to strategic hesitancy during the race.

Between the lines:

Vasseur's defensive stance highlights the immense pressure always present at Ferrari, where any dip in form is amplified. While he downplays the 'disaster' narrative, his admission of operational stumbles indicates a clear awareness within the team of areas needing urgent improvement. The fact that a one-car operation like Red Bull has leapfrogged them adds significant pressure and scrutiny, even if Vasseur seeks to maintain a calmer outlook.

What's next:

Ferrari's focus will undoubtedly be on rectifying operational errors and maximizing performance in the final races to close the gap to Mercedes. While a winless season and strategic hiccups are far from ideal, Vasseur's pushback suggests an internal resolve to address issues without succumbing to panic. The margin for error is razor-thin, and consistency in strategic execution will be paramount as they aim to end the season on a stronger note and set a foundation for 2025.