Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is confident that there will be a tough battle for the constructors’ championship until the end of the season due to the inconsistency in form among teams.
McLaren moved into the championship lead after Oscar Piastri’s win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Lando Norris’s fourth place finish helping them overtake Red Bull. Despite Charles Leclerc’s pole position for Ferrari, the team finished second, and a collision between Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez left them 51 points behind McLaren and 31 points behind Red Bull. Vasseur anticipates more ups and downs in the championship fight.
Stella downplays McLaren’s constructors’ points lead
The RACER Mailbag, September 18
How Piastri’s rapid rise created a good problem for McLaren
“The upcoming race will present a different challenge as it features a similar type of corner but with increased downforce, creating a different scenario,” Vasseur explained. “However, the close margins between cars, aside from Baku, are evident in races like Monza, Spa, and Budapest, where six or seven cars are within one tenth or a tenth and a half.”
“The standings are likely influenced by the upgrades we bring to the car or the specific characteristics of the track, with the latter playing a more significant role. The championship battle will continue to fluctuate until the end of the season.”
“What is crucial, and where we faltered in Baku, is to capitalize on good performances by winning races and also scoring valuable points on off weekends because we can expect fluctuations until the season’s end,” Vasseur added. “While we may have setbacks like in Canada, the UK, and Austria this year, it’s crucial to consistently score points even when we’re not at our best.”
“We may have faced disappointments in Baku, but we are back on pace, challenging for pole positions and wins each weekend. With 300 points still up for grabs until the end of the season, anything is possible, and a fierce battle awaits.”
Ferrari’s recent success, including a win at Monza and a runner-up finish in Azerbaijan, can be credited to an upgrade introduced in Italy. Vasseur highlighted the importance of combining new parts with refined set-ups using older specifications in the team’s quest for success.
“Every upgrade we introduce is critical as we are already pushing the limits in terms of performance. It’s a fine balance to navigate, but development is essential as every detail counts. The competitiveness at Monza, with five cars within one tenth, shows the significant impact of even the smallest improvements.”
