Fred Vasseur claims Max Verstappen will ‘come back stronger’ despite making more mistakes than in ‘last three seasons’

Red Bull is only 24 points ahead of Ferrari in the 2024 Constructors Championship.

Fred Vasseur claims Max Verstappen will ‘come back stronger’ despite making more mistakes than in ‘last three seasons’

Fred Vasseur [L] Max Verstappen [R] (images via IMAGO)

Red Bull carried their 2023 momentum into this year and dominated the initial rounds of the championship. In stark contrast, in the last few weekends, the RB20 in the hands of Max Verstappen has not replicated the magic of the initial rounds and was even seen struggling in Imola. But Ferrari team principal, Fred Vassuer is adamant that Verstappen would come back stronger than ever in the coming races.

Max Verstappen broke all records last year by winning a staggering 19 out of the 22 Grand Prix. This led to fans and teams reckoning that the Dutchman would do one better this time and aim for a perfect season. However, in the last few races, Red Bull has struggled as rivals have closed up the gap to the Austrian giant. Moreover, out of the last three races, Red Bull has only salvaged a single win against McLaren and Ferrari.

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On the contrary, despite recent trends, Fred Vasseur seemed cautious and claimed Verstappen would come back roaring.

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Max[Verstappen] made more mistakes in Imola than in the last three seasons. It happens when you have to push harder. If you are in your comfort zone you don't make mistakes and I think they were in this situation. We must not draw conclusions, they will come back stronger.
Fred Vasseur said in post-race press conference as reported by FormulaPassion.it

The Frenchman stated that the 26-year-old made more mistakes in Imola than in his previous three seasons while referring to his consecutive championship wins. Thus, he feels one or two bad weekends are not enough to warrant Verstappen out.

Fred Vasseur claims Monaco win gave much needed confidence boost to Charles Leclerc

Vasseur claimed the Dutchman is a threat to worry about in the upcoming races. On the other hand, Charles Leclerc emerged victorious in Monaco and made Ferrari return to the top step of the podium around the principality after a break of seven years.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Fred Vasseur (via IMAGO)

This impressive performance by the Monegasque earned him praise from his team principal.

First it will stop [people] asking each year what could happen next year, what will happen this week… It’s behind us. But I think it was an important one. He had a kind of weight on the shoulders for years now about the win in Monaco. It was not in doubt that he was under pressure with this. But it’s not just about Monaco, I think probably for his own self-confidence and for the approach he has at all the other events, Charles will do a step forward for sure.
Fred Vasseur said in an interview with F1

The Frenchman elucidated that Leclerc’s win had put a weight off his shoulders as people questioned the young Ferrari driver about how he would deal with the Monaco curse. Moreover, this win would give him an esteem boost going forward.

Despite Vassuer being optimistic, Ferrari is in a tough fight with McLaren. The fight for P2 and even P1 in the constructor standings is anticipated to be a fierce one, and fans could have an exciting battle on their hands for the remainder of the ongoing season.

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