Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur believes that the team has resolved the main problem with its 2023 Formula 1 car in its latest version, the SF-24. After both drivers expressed the need for a more adaptable package in 2024, Ferrari has detailed its efforts to create a “reimagined” car that offers a more enjoyable driving experience. While Vasseur acknowledges that the true improvement will only be evident when compared to other teams in Bahrain, he states that the simulator work indicates that the new car is more manageable. Vasseur stated, “We were able to achieve good speed in the latter part of the season, but the drivability of the car was a concern.” He further added, “From the beginning of the 2024 project, our focus has been on addressing this issue. Our initial assessment, which aligns with the drivers’ feedback, suggests that we have made significant progress in terms of drivability. However, only Bahrain will provide the definitive answer.”
Vasseur is entering his second season as Ferrari Team Principal, and the 2024 Ferrari is the first car to be developed under his complete guidance. Nevertheless, he attributes the creation of the SF-24 to the collective effort of all Ferrari personnel in Maranello. Vasseur emphasized, “It is crucial to understand that the car is the result of the hard work of over 1,000 individuals or even more. It doesn’t matter who the individual is; what matters is the collective effort. I firmly believe that every employee at Ferrari contributes to its performance. I strive to convey this message every day. The project does not belong to Fred Vasseur or Enrico Cardile or any specific person; it is a group endeavor.”
The outcome of this “project” is still uncertain, as the teams and drivers face a pre-season and a record-breaking 24 race schedule this season. As a result, Vasseur is not worried about Ferrari immediately achieving success in Bahrain, where testing and the first race will take place. Instead, the Frenchman wants to ensure that his team has made positive strides after showing improvement towards the end of last season. Carlos Sainz secured a victory in Singapore, while Charles Leclerc challenged for the win in Las Vegas.
Vasseur recognizes that results are not guaranteed, as a good pace and shape may not always translate into scoring points due to various incidents. His primary focus in Bahrain is to be convinced that the team is heading in the right direction and has not regressed since the previous season. In Abu Dhabi last year, they were able to contend for the pole position and displayed a decent pace in the race. The team has also made significant progress in terms of operations, risk-taking capabilities, and communication throughout the weekend. Staying on this path is of utmost importance, with results expected to follow.
Looking ahead to 2025, Sainz will make way for Lewis Hamilton, and Ferrari is actively recruiting engineers in their quest to reclaim championship glory. While it may seem like Ferrari is already looking towards the future, Vasseur dismisses any notion of 2024 being a transition year for the team. He emphasizes that 2024 is a crucial season for them and that his full focus is on that year. The team’s objective is to perform at their best, win races, and continue building upon the progress made in 2023. Thoughts of 2025 are far from their minds.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com