Ferrari, after a very long time, has lastly proven the potential to win the title if it continues down this path. The frustration of shedding to McLaren by simply 14 factors was rapidly overshadowed by a way of hope and pleasure for the long run.
Group Principal Fred Vasseur was in nice spirits as he welcomed a gaggle of worldwide media to an occasion area overlooking Ferrari’s beautiful Fiorano take a look at monitor throughout the crew’s conventional Christmas lunch.
Thought-about essentially the most difficult job within the sport, the stress on the shoulders of the particular person main Method 1’s most well-known crew is gigantic, however Fred Vasseur has taken on the function with exceptional ease.
It’s, after all, nonetheless early days. That is solely the second 12 months of what he and Ferrari hope will likely be a long-term collaboration, however the indicators from this season are constructive.
Fred Vasseur is an extremely likable determine, with a formidable potential to defuse tense conditions along with his dry humorousness. To date, this technique has labored very effectively in Maranello, as has his all-encompassing strategy to the job and a administration type that enables his workers to take dangers with out worry of punishment.
The aim has not been achieved—removed from it. After all, bringing the championship again to Italy is the purpose, however what the Scuderia actually wishes is the beginning of a brand new successful cycle, just like the one skilled between 2000-2004 with Michael Schumacher or the dominance loved by Crimson Bull and Mercedes over the previous 20 years. Nonetheless, he’s glad with the progress made to this point. “It was season for us, definitely with ups and downs like everybody else, however with extra ups than downs,” he says, as we sit down for a one-on-one chat in a gorgeous constructing a stone’s throw from the house of founder Enzo Ferrari. “It was an excellent season in comparison with 2023.”
“We’re on course. We have now improved in each single pillar of efficiency: reliability, technique, pit stops, pure efficiency. Relating to the KPIs, we achieved 5 wins in comparison with one, and by way of factors, we scored 60% extra in 2024 than in 2023.”
“The whole lot goes in the suitable path. We missed the ultimate step, however after we went to Abu Dhabi, the share probability of successful was very low. After Saturday, it was even decrease. It’s true that after the second or third lap, I assumed, ‘Ah, the planets are virtually aligned now, let’s push.’ Nevertheless it wasn’t in Abu Dhabi the place we fell quick. Abu Dhabi was occasion; it was extra in Canada the place we had a double zero or throughout the summer time the place one thing was missing.”
Ferrari responded effectively to the mid-season stoop and completed the season on an extremely constructive notice, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc each making the rostrum in Abu Dhabi. General, it was a major step ahead.
This 12 months, Ferrari was solely 14 factors behind the leaders, in comparison with 454 final 12 months, and in addition to this clear improve in factors, the share of podium finishes rose by 175%, and the typical factors per race elevated by 44.91% in 2024. These statistics weren’t sufficient to win the title, however they’re the type of numbers that, if persistently repeated, will put them ready to make the ultimate leap. The truth that Ferrari convincingly beat reigning world champions Crimson Bull and Mercedes is an announcement of intent, although they narrowly misplaced to McLaren.
What made the distinction this 12 months? “There’s no large distinction,” says Fred Vasseur. “We’re attempting to enhance in each single space of efficiency, in each single division of the corporate. It’s one small step after one other.
“It’s not about having one thing that may change the sport, there’s no magic bullet. It’s a must to preserve this mindset and push each member of the group to attempt to do a greater job, attempting to avoid wasting a gram on each half, and I believe within the final month we’ve made good progress. Definitely, it’s not sufficient, however we’re on course.”
He provides, “It’s a unending venture, a unending strategy of hiring, growing, and attempting to do a greater job.”
His drivers have been additionally distinctive in 2024—with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc ending the season with career-high factors totals—and have been instrumental in Ferrari’s enchancment.
“I believe Charles has made a step ahead in administration, not simply of the tires but additionally of the race,” says Vasseur. “The administration of his strategy was a bit extra… I wouldn’t say targeted, however much less distracted at occasions. General, it was season from Charles. Not at all times simple. Even after we had robust moments, like in Austria, Spain, and the UK, he was in a position to come again, to have a constructive angle. I believe that response was essential for him and for the crew.”
“For Carlos, it’s true that final 12 months was most likely step one in Ferrari’s response. He got here again after the summer time break with very high-level performances—the rostrum at Monza, the pole at Monza, the win in Singapore—and this pushed Charles to react and in the end obtain six or seven entrance rows in a row.”
“I believe we’ve made good progress, and that is a part of the crew’s restoration. They’ve at all times pushed one another—in a constructive manner—and have accomplished very effectively. I’m very glad with their relationship.”
Waiting for 2025, Fred Vasseur expects a four-way battle for the championship amongst his crew, McLaren, Crimson Bull, and Mercedes, particularly if the technical rules stay secure.
“Everybody takes dangers,” says Fred Vasseur. “In case you don’t take dangers, you’re useless. We all know the event of this automotive; it’s by no means simple as a result of we’re on the rise, and it’s at all times more durable.
“Everyone seems to be taking dangers, and we additionally should take dangers as a result of 2025 will likely be a wierd season. We’ll have to change fairly early to the 2026 venture, which implies the automotive we placed on monitor in Bahrain will likely be essential.”
Fred Vasseur has accomplished an excellent job reworking Ferrari’s tradition, eliminating the worry issue and inspiring all crew members to take dangers. He has no intention of fixing this technique as he heads into his third season on the helm.
“I wish to preserve the identical strategy as final 12 months by way of recruitment, growth, and steady enchancment. This mentality is a part of the DNA of each F1 crew. If sooner or later you say you’re in form, I believe that’s the start of the top. You’ll want to push past the bounds of each single space daily and are available to the manufacturing unit each morning saying, ‘I have to do a greater job than yesterday.’ In case you have this strategy, I believe you’re heading in the right direction.”
Nonetheless, one factor that may change is the id of one of many drivers: seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will be part of the famed Italian crew subsequent season on a multi-year contract. Fred Vasseur is understandably enthusiastic about one of many biggest drivers ever becoming a member of his crew and sees his arrival as additional strengthening an already rising crew.
“It is going to be a step ahead in constructing or growing the crew. He brings his expertise, his background, and this will likely be useful for the crew’s growth. It is going to be helpful for Charles and for the engineers, and we have to take it as one other step in the suitable path. It’s constructive for us.”
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is one thing sudden. Along with Charles Leclerc, he’ll kind a rare pairing that would mark a turning level for the crew. There are lots of targets and goals to realize, with 2025 promising to be an thrilling 12 months.
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