Scuderia Ferrari is set to introduce significant enhancements to its Formula 1 car during the upcoming race weekends in Austria and Silverstone. This move comes as the iconic Italian team stands alone among F1`s top four contenders, yet to claim a Grand Prix victory this season, having grappled with a lack of consistent performance throughout race weekends with their SF-25 chassis.
Following the recent Canadian Grand Prix, where Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured fifth and sixth place finishes respectively, Hamilton openly expressed the team`s urgent need for upgrades to bridge the performance gap to the front-runners.
Team Principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed that new components are indeed en route. He indicated that an initial set of upgrades is anticipated before the British Grand Prix, with the possibility of further developments thereafter. However, Vasseur underscored that his primary focus for improving the team`s fortunes is not solely on the car`s inherent potential, but rather on other crucial aspects.
“We will have an upgrade soon, before UK, and perhaps another one a bit later,” Vasseur stated. “But, honestly, I think there is much more in execution and what you get from the car, than the potential of the car itself.”
Vasseur elaborated on the current regulatory environment in Formula 1, explaining that new parts now typically deliver marginal gains, measured in “hundredths rather than tenths” of a second. He cautioned that failing to properly utilize the car`s existing capabilities could lead to significant performance losses. He also noted that historical data suggests teams often require one or two races to fully integrate and adapt their car`s setup to new upgrade packages.
“I want to put the focus on the team much more on the execution than on the pure potential of the car. But we will bring something,” he concluded, reaffirming the commitment to development while shifting emphasis to operational efficiency.
Lewis Hamilton, in his post-race comments in Canada, echoed the sentiment regarding the need for upgrades. Nevertheless, he also hinted at the challenging nature of the current season, remarking that “it`s one of those years” for the team, suggesting inherent difficulties beyond immediate fixes.
Vasseur Highlights “Execution” as Ferrari`s Critical Path Forward
Vasseur candidly acknowledged that Ferrari “failed massively” in Canada, specifically in their overall execution of the race weekend. He believes that flawless execution, particularly in managing tire performance, is paramount if the team is to reverse its disappointing season trajectory.
Discussing Ferrari`s prospects at the upcoming medium-speed Red Bull Ring in Austria, Vasseur drew parallels with their competitive pace in Barcelona`s first sector and in Monaco. He reiterated the importance of cohesively assembling all elements of their race strategy to achieve optimal results.
“In the tyre usage and the tyre performance, I think there is much more in that, than between the cars,” Vasseur explained. “It doesn`t matter about the car, if the team is doing a very good job on the tyres, they will be in front. We saw that in Canada, Monaco and Imola. It is what it is and it will be like this until the end of the season but it`s the same for everyone and we have to do a better job.”
Marcus Prine