Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur believes that upcoming changes to Formula 1 regulations regarding flexible wings could dramatically alter the competitive landscape among top teams.
The sport`s governing body, the FIA, announced in January a technical directive introducing stricter flexibility tests for front wings. These new measures are set to be enforced starting from the Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled for May 30th to June 1st, which is the ninth event of the season.
Ferrari has faced a challenging start to the current season, currently trailing Constructors` Championship leaders McLaren by 152 points after six races.
While many teams plan to introduce car upgrades at the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the first European race of the year, Vasseur suggests that the adjustments teams must make to comply with the new front wing rules in Barcelona could have a more substantial effect on performance.
Speaking in an interview at Ferrari`s headquarters in Maranello, Vasseur commented on the current development phase:
“We are at the point where it`s difficult to do a big upgrade on the car because after four years with the same regulations we are more fighting for details.”
He elaborated on the potential impact of the regulatory change:
“The biggest one probably will be Spain because we have a clear change of regulation with the complete new front wing. This could change a little bit the picture of the championship. Let`s wait for this.”
Vasseur clarified that while the championship standings might not immediately reset, the performance dynamics could:
“It could be a reset on the immediate picture, but not on the championship. The guy who will lead the championship in Spain will still lead the championship after Spain, but, in terms of pure performance, it could be a gamechanger.”
These remarks from Vasseur echo sentiments from other McLaren competitors, including Red Bull`s Christian Horner, who have indicated that the leading team might see their performance affected by the rule change. However, McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who hold the top two positions in the drivers` standings, have expressed confidence that their team will not face issues with the new regulations.
The technical directive reduces the allowable front wing flex from 15mm to 10mm. The delay in its implementation was intended to give teams adequate time to meet the stricter requirements. The FIA had previously tightened rules on rear wing flexibility earlier in the season in China, a change that did not seem to significantly alter the competitive hierarchy.
Challenges for Lewis Hamilton`s Adaptation Amidst Car Struggles
The season began with considerable anticipation for Ferrari following the high-profile signing of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes. However, the seven-time world champion has experienced an underwhelming start to his tenure with the Italian team.
Hamilton is currently seventh in the drivers` standings, trailing his teammate Charles Leclerc, who is fifth, by 12 points. Although Hamilton secured a Sprint victory in China and finished third in the Miami Sprint, he has largely struggled more than Leclerc in both qualifying sessions and full races.
Vasseur suggests that the team`s broader difficulties with the car`s performance have compounded the challenge for Hamilton to adapt after spending 12 years at Mercedes.
He stated: “The car is not at the level that we were expecting… And I think in this situation, it`s even more difficult for a new driver to adapt to the car.”
He contrasted this with a more favorable scenario:
“I think if you are flying and winning every single weekend, it`s much easier for them to adapt to the team.”
Despite the results, Vasseur remains positive about the internal dynamics:
“But I would say that as long as the collaboration is positive and constructive, even if it`s not of use each weekend in terms of the result, I think we are improving understanding of each other, not just with me but the technical side. I think this is going in the right direction and I`m quite confident for the future.”
During the recent Miami Grand Prix, Hamilton`s frustrations with strategy calls over the team radio drew attention. Vasseur, however, maintains that such incidents are acceptable as long as they are followed by a constructive debriefing.
He added: “I`m never upset with this, as long as we are able to have a good discussion after.”
Vasseur emphasized the pressure drivers face in the moment:
“We have to keep in mind that they have to jump on the radio driving in Miami at 330 (kph) between the walls, under the pressure with the result.”
He concluded by highlighting his priority:
“Most important for me is the content of the debrief.”
Marcus Prine