Ferrari, Fred Vasseur speaks to the press
The Christmas tree and glitter, a vacation lunch underneath spring-like daylight, tortellini in capon broth, and beef medallions with a doable “vegetarian different”: all the things seems like a film. Spherical tables spaced effectively aside, with technicians alternating to reply each curiosity. There are new faces, similar to Jerome D’Ambrosio, 38 years previous, a Belgian with a Neapolitan grandfather who, surprisingly, has been the brand new deputy head of the Ferrari Racing Division for a number of months, and Loic Serra, 52 years previous, a Frenchman with Sardinian and Venetian grandparents, the brand new technical director from Mercedes. Acquainted faces are additionally current, like Enrico Gualtieri (head of engines), Diego Ioverno (sporting director), and Mattia Togninalli (head of observe engineering).
The Ferrari of tomorrow is displaying its greatest face with the engines off, with its high official, Frederic Vasseur, lastly glad with the construction he has managed to assemble and from which there at the moment are no excuses left—world titles are anticipated. In any case, what higher historic alternative to compete towards a Purple Bull disrupted by inside disputes and the lack of key personnel, not the daunting opponent of 12 months in the past, and a Mercedes with out Lewis Hamilton, Loic Serra, and others, which can want time to rebuild?
The upcoming championship appears to be clean crusing for the Scuderia. Nonetheless, on this Formulation 1 liable to twists and turns, and given a McLaren that emerged from nowhere and, with out the sources of the others, managed to safe the Constructors’ Championship after 26 years, something is feasible. This time, Ferrari has the benefit of ending the 2024 Formulation 1 season brilliantly and may proceed in the identical method, contemplating that the technical rules don’t change considerably. In brief, the chance is ripe, and lacking it could be a failure. There isn’t a must sugarcoat the goals. This, on the one hand, creates stress, however on the opposite, the favorable components listed above are anticipated to make issues a lot simpler.
Fred Vasseur is aware of he’s about to face a trial by fireplace with a lot at stake, however he’s assured that he has made the precise strikes to purpose excessive, aided by an organization that has allowed him dozens of hires, enriching Ferrari and depleting others. It’ll take time to combine folks, but it surely’s not simply the worth of the brand new technicians that instills confidence. A elementary ingredient typically missed is the huge arrival of exterior expertise and information—a breath of recent air, circulation of concepts, and debates which may be unpalatable to those that have been in Maranello for years however had been indispensable to leap into the long run. Ferrari, like different groups, is aware of that the true revolution awaits in 2026 with rules that may change considerably, requiring a recent begin. On this sense, the 2025 Ferrari is coexisting with the one for the upcoming years when it comes to design, planning, and improvement—a difficult job requiring fertile and numerous minds to maneuver past the plain.
In a really company ambiance, stingy with smiles and with predictable, rehearsed statements, a sensible and direct Fred Vasseur emerged, targeted on necessities. He brazenly declared that Lewis Hamilton wouldn’t obtain a personalised presentation at Ferrari with festive press protection however would as a substitute combine into the Scuderia “with out making a present” (no particular time or place was given). There have been no particulars in regards to the genesis of his hiring, besides that Fred satisfied the seven-time champion by presenting him with a long-term mission, which was enthusiastically accepted, so “in the long run, it wasn’t exhausting to persuade him to tackle the problem.”
As for Lewis Hamilton’s underwhelming ends in current races, “there’s no concern; they had been circumstantial, and when he had the instruments, he delivered wonderful performances.” Loic Serra, who was alongside Hamilton all these years, bolstered the purpose: “Lewis is identical as earlier than; he’ll shock everybody along with his efficiency. Don’t doubt it.” And Charles Leclerc? Fred Vasseur gave him a light-weight pat on the cheek: “He’s improved, progressed, and is on the precise path.” Concerning the inevitable rivalry between the 2—a subject inflicting some inside nervousness—he added that “competitors between drivers advantages efficiency. It’s higher to have two drivers combating on the entrance than two on the again.”
Clear phrases, no wasted time. The presentation of the “utterly new automobile” is scheduled for February 19. After that, it is going to be instantly evident in Bahrain after which in Australia on March 14 whether or not the work executed has been wonderful. Nonetheless, judging by the ambiance, doubts are few, and constructive indicators are considerable, pointing in a single route solely: the championship. So, Merry Christmas, glad (quick) holidays, and all the most effective. Keep in mind, although, that Enzo Ferrari typically remarked that the certainty-induced intoxication earlier than the automobile hit the observe involved him way over the inevitable points that arose when a brand new automobile first rolled out.
— see video above —
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
