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 longer term.
Staff Principal Fred Vasseur was in nice spirits as he welcomed a bunch of worldwide media to an occasion area overlooking Ferrari’s gorgeous Fiorano check observe throughout the workforce’s conventional Christmas lunch.
Thought-about probably the most difficult job within the sport, the stress on the shoulders of the particular person main Formulation 1’s most well-known workforce is gigantic, however Fred Vasseur has taken on the position with exceptional ease.
It’s, after all, nonetheless early days. That is solely the second yr of what he and Ferrari hope shall be a long-term collaboration, however the indicators from this season are constructive.
Fred Vasseur is an extremely likable determine, with a powerful skill to defuse tense conditions along with his dry humorousness. To date, this technique has labored very effectively in Maranello, as has his all-encompassing method to the job and a administration model that permits his staff to take dangers with out concern of punishment.
The objective 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 profitable 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 phenomenal constructing a stone’s throw from the house of founder Enzo Ferrari. “It was an excellent season in comparison with 2023.”
“We’re on target. We’ve got 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.”
“All the pieces goes in the proper path. We missed the ultimate step, however once we went to Abu Dhabi, the proportion probability of profitable 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 hunch and completed the season on an extremely constructive be aware, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc each making the rostrum in Abu Dhabi. Total, it was a major step ahead.
This yr, Ferrari was solely 14 factors behind the leaders, in comparison with 454 final yr, and apart from this clear improve in factors, the proportion 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 form of numbers that, if constantly repeated, will put them ready to make the ultimate leap. The truth that Ferrari convincingly beat reigning world champions Crimson Bull and Mercedes is a press release of intent, regardless that they narrowly misplaced to McLaren.
What made the distinction this yr? “There’s no huge distinction,” says Fred Vasseur. “We’re making an attempt 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 important to maintain this mindset and push each member of the group to attempt to do a greater job, making an attempt to avoid wasting a gram on each half, and I feel within the final month we’ve made good progress. Actually, it’s not sufficient, however we’re on target.”
He provides, “It’s a endless undertaking, a endless technique of hiring, growing, and making an attempt to do a greater job.”
His drivers had been additionally distinctive in 2024—with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc ending the season with career-high factors totals—and had been instrumental in Ferrari’s enchancment.
“I feel Charles has made a step ahead in administration, not simply of the tires but additionally of the race,” says Vasseur. “The administration of his method was a bit extra… I wouldn’t say centered, however much less distracted at occasions. Total, it was season from Charles. Not at all times simple. Even once we had powerful moments, like in Austria, Spain, and the UK, he was capable of come again, to have a constructive angle. I feel that response was necessary for him and for the workforce.”
“For Carlos, it’s true that final yr 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 feel we’ve made good progress, and that is a part of the workforce’s restoration. They’ve at all times pushed one another—in a constructive means—and have carried out very effectively. I’m very glad with their relationship.”
Looking forward to 2025, Fred Vasseur expects a four-way struggle for the championship amongst his workforce, McLaren, Crimson Bull, and Mercedes, particularly if the technical rules stay steady.
“Everybody takes dangers,” says Fred Vasseur. “In case you don’t take dangers, you’re lifeless. 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 need to take dangers as a result of 2025 shall be a wierd season. We’ll have to change fairly early to the 2026 undertaking, which suggests the automotive we placed on observe in Bahrain shall be essential.”
Fred Vasseur has carried out an excellent job remodeling Ferrari’s tradition, eliminating the concern issue and inspiring all workforce members to take dangers. He has no intention of fixing this technique as he heads into his third season on the helm.
“I need to maintain the identical method as final yr by way of recruitment, improvement, and steady enchancment. This mentality is a part of the DNA of each F1 workforce. If sooner or later you say you’re in form, I feel that’s the start of the top. It is advisable to push past the bounds of each single space day by day and are available to the manufacturing unit each morning saying, ‘I must do a greater job than yesterday.’ When you’ve got this method, I feel you’re heading in the right direction.”
Nonetheless, one factor that can change is the identification of one of many drivers: seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will be part of the famed Italian workforce subsequent season on a multi-year contract. Fred Vasseur is understandably enthusiastic about one of many biggest drivers ever becoming a member of his workforce and sees his arrival as additional strengthening an already rising workforce.
“It will likely be a step ahead in constructing or growing the workforce. He brings his expertise, his background, and this shall be useful for the workforce’s improvement. It will likely be helpful for Charles and for the engineers, and we have to take it as one other step in the proper path. It’s constructive for us.”
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is one thing surprising. Along with Charles Leclerc, he’ll kind a unprecedented pairing that would mark a turning level for the workforce. There are lots of targets and goals to attain, with 2025 promising to be an thrilling yr.
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