Vasseur Sets Podium Target for Ferrari in Abu Dhabi After Qatar Struggles

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has set a podium finish as the key target for the team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, following a challenging weekend in Qatar. The Scuderia aims to bounce back and leverage the Yas Marina Circuit, a venue where they have historically performed well.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's season has been a rollercoaster of mixed results, with a tough outing in Qatar highlighting their inconsistency. A strong performance, particularly a podium finish, in Abu Dhabi is crucial not only for boosting team morale but also for demonstrating their potential to compete at the sharp end of the grid. It's a statement of intent as they close out a season that has seen both flashes of brilliance and periods of struggle.

The Details:

• Qatar Struggles: The recent Qatar Grand Prix saw Ferrari secure only an eighth-place finish for Charles Leclerc, their sole points-scoring result of the weekend. This contrasted sharply with performances earlier in the season, underscoring the team's ongoing challenges.
• Abu Dhabi Potential: Vasseur remains optimistic about Abu Dhabi, citing the fact that no significant car changes will occur between races. He believes that with thorough preparation, the team can reclaim a podium spot, similar to their double podium finish (second and third place) at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Carlos Sainz and Leclerc.
• Team Mindset: Vasseur emphasized, "That will be the target. Nobody changes the car, and compared to Sao Paulo, it means that if we have a good weekend in terms of preparation, we can be back on the podium."

Between the lines:

Ferrari's Vice Chairman, Piero Ferrari, recently described the 2025 season as "a punch in the stomach," reflecting the team's struggles to consistently challenge for victories. This candid assessment from within the organization highlights the pressure on the team to deliver, especially in the final races. Despite the difficulties, Piero Ferrari expressed optimism for the future, believing the team will return to its glory days. This internal pressure adds another layer of significance to Vasseur's podium target for Abu Dhabi.

What's next:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix represents the final opportunity for Ferrari to end the season on a high note. A successful outing could provide crucial momentum and confidence heading into the offseason, where the team will be working tirelessly to address the inconsistencies and build a more competitive package for the upcoming 2026 season. All eyes will be on the Yas Marina Circuit to see if Ferrari can achieve Vasseur's ambitious target and offer a glimpse of their future potential.