Fred Vasseur, the boss of Ferrari, is not letting the recent success of Lewis Hamilton in the Barcelona Grand Prix sway his team's strategy. Despite Hamilton's victory, which reduced Kimi Antonelli's championship lead, Vasseur remains steadfast in his approach, emphasizing the importance of consistency and development over short-term gains.
Vasseur's response to the question of whether Ferrari would fully back Hamilton in a potential title fight is telling. He dismisses the idea of focusing on the championship, stating, 'I will never do it.' This approach is a stark contrast to the typical reaction in Formula 1, where a single strong weekend can quickly shift perceptions.
The 'disaster' reference from Vasseur highlights the volatile nature of the sport. After Monaco, Ferrari was criticized for not capitalizing on what seemed like a strong opportunity. However, Barcelona presented a different narrative, with Ferrari's major upgrade package seemingly closing the gap to Mercedes. Hamilton's victory, aided by a virtual safety car and strong tire management, showcased Ferrari's potential.
Yet, Vasseur remains cautious, attributing the positive outcome to extreme temperatures in Barcelona. He emphasizes the unpredictability of the sport, stating, 'It's not because you are doing a good weekend that you will blow up everybody every single weekend.'
The development of Ferrari's power unit through the FIA's ADUO mechanism is another area of focus. While McLaren team principal Andrea Stella suggests Ferrari now possesses the strongest chassis, Vasseur is careful not to raise expectations. He acknowledges the positive direction the team is heading but remains grounded, stating, 'Stay calm on this.'
Vasseur's perspective on the season's competitive order is insightful. He believes that the championship will be determined by the teams' development capabilities rather than a single strong performance in a race. He concludes, 'I think this season will be much more based on the fact and the capacity of all the teams to bring performance to the car.'
In summary, Vasseur's comments reveal a thoughtful and strategic mindset, prioritizing long-term development over short-term gains. His approach reflects a deeper understanding of the sport's complexities and the importance of consistency in Formula 1.
