Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, remains optimistic despite no second victory in Miami, acknowledging Red Bull’s slight advantage but highlighting Ferrari and McLaren’s potential to challenge Red Bull more consistently compared to last year, thanks to improved performance and strategy.
Highlights
‣ Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, remains optimistic despite not securing a second victory in Miami, highlighting the competitiveness against Red Bull Racing and acknowledging the RB20’s vulnerability as demonstrated by McLaren’s recent win.
‣ The performance of Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in the Miami race, finishing third and fifth respectively, showcases the ongoing rivalry and potential collaboration between Ferrari and McLaren to challenge the dominance of Red Bull.
‣ Vasseur admits Red Bull’s current advantage, especially in sprint qualifying and qualifying sessions, but refuses to draw definitive conclusions from the Miami race, suggesting a cautious yet hopeful outlook for Ferrari’s future performance.
‣ The Ferrari team principal notes a significant shift in the competitive dynamic compared to the previous year, with Red Bull no longer enjoying their comfort zone and having to adopt more aggressive strategies, presenting an opportunity for Ferrari to intensify the competition.
Ferrari didn’t snag a second win in Miami this year. Yet, it wasn’t all gloom, as Red Bull Racing and their ace, Max Verstappen, found themselves outpaced for the second time this season. Lando Norris, with McLaren, clinched victory last weekend. This outcome has Frederic Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, wearing a hopeful smile. He sees it as a clear sign: the RB20 isn’t invincible.
At the heart of the action in Florida, Ferrari’s own Charles Leclerc secured a third-place finish. Carlos Sainz, despite a penalty, managed to cross the finish line fifth. The tussle between the Italian powerhouse and McLaren has been nothing short of a rollercoaster this season. The big question looms: Can they, together, take on the reigning champs, Red Bull? Is Miami just a sneak peek of the drama we’re set to witness throughout the year?
Vasseur, ever the realist, admits, “I think honestly that Red Bull is still ahead.” He pondered the what-ifs, suggesting Max might have taken the day had it not been for the safety car drama. Red Bull’s dominance in the sprint and qualifying rounds speaks volumes, he mused. Yet, in the same breath, Vasseur hesitates to jump to conclusions. “That means that I don’t want to draw any conclusion. I don’t want to draw any conclusion on this.” But, he concedes, Red Bull does hold a slight edge.
### Fighting with Red Bull
Vasseur’s tone shifts to one of determination. “What is true is that compared to one year ago when we are able to do a good job and to put everything together, we are there.” It’s a testament to progress, a hint that Ferrari is inching closer, putting Red Bull under a bit of pressure.
Gone are the days when Red Bull could breeze through with ease, Vasseur notes. “They have to take, to be a bit more aggressive with the strategy.” Last year’s comfort zone? A distant memory. “They are not anymore in the comfort zone of last year when last year that doesn’t matter what’s happened. After Lap 2, they were in front.” He sees this shift as a game-changer, a crack in Red Bull’s armor that Ferrari might just exploit. “And this is an opportunity for us because if we are doing another small step, I think that we will be really in position to fight with them every single weekend.”
So, there you have it. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the game? It’s only just begun.
