Vasseur Eyes Ferrari Podium Finish in Abu Dhabi Finale

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is optimistic about a strong performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, targeting a podium finish to conclude what has been a challenging 2025 season. Despite a tough outing in Qatar, Vasseur believes the team can rebound at a circuit that has historically favored them.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's pursuit of a podium in Abu Dhabi is more than just a single race result; it's a statement of intent as they close a difficult year. A strong finish could provide crucial momentum and a psychological boost for the team, signaling their potential to bounce back and compete at the sharp end in the upcoming seasons. This would be a significant recovery after a season that even vice chairman Piero Ferrari described as "a punch in the stomach."

The Details:

• Targeting the Podium: Fred Vasseur explicitly stated, "That will be the target," regarding a podium finish at the Yas Marina Circuit. He emphasized that with no car changes between Sao Paulo and Abu Dhabi, a well-prepared weekend could see Ferrari back in the top three.
• Qatar Struggles: The team's most recent outing at the Qatar Grand Prix was particularly tough, with Charles Leclerc's eighth-place finish being the only points scored by Ferrari over the entire weekend. This performance highlighted the inconsistencies that have plagued their 2025 campaign.
• Abu Dhabi History: Historically, Abu Dhabi has been a more favorable track for Ferrari. In the 2024 edition of the race, the Scuderia secured a double podium, with Carlos Sainz finishing second and Leclerc third, demonstrating the team's capacity for strong results at this venue.
• Tough Season Assessment: Piero Ferrari, vice chairman and son of founder Enzo Ferrari, offered a candid assessment of the team's 2025 season, likening it to "a punch in the stomach." However, he maintained optimism for the Prancing Horse's return to glory.

What's next:

Ferrari will be aiming to leverage their past success at the Yas Marina Circuit to deliver a performance that can offer some solace after a largely frustrating season. A podium finish would be a significant morale booster and a positive note to carry into the off-season, as they focus on development for the next championship.

• The team will be meticulously analyzing data from previous Abu Dhabi races and recent performances to fine-tune their strategy and car setup for the finale.
• All eyes will be on whether Ferrari can convert Vasseur's optimism into tangible results, providing a glimmer of hope for their championship aspirations in the near future.