Ferrari downplays McLaren’s impressive rise in performance 

Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari need to improve their tire management strategies


Ferrari downplays McLaren’s impressive rise in performance 

Carlos Sainz vs Lando Norris (Via IMAGO)

McLaren introduced significant upgrades during the Austrian Grand Prix, which sparked their resurgence in performance. The upgraded MCL60 played a crucial role in McLaren securing consecutive podium finishes over two weekends. However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur downplayed McLaren’s performance achievements.

McLaren made its Formula 1 debut in 1966 and has a rich history of winning championship titles. They’ve contributed numerous World Championships to Formula One, including Lewis Hamilton’s title. However, McLaren hasn’t secured a championship since Hamilton’s win in 2008. The resurgence of McLaren wasn’t unexpected for fans, as they had high hopes for improved performance with their new driver lineup featuring Lando Norris and rookie driver Oscar Piastri.

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However, Fred Vasseur downplayed McLaren’s improvement. He emphasized that McLaren maximized their performance by introducing two upgrades, effectively addressing their performance issues.

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I think that they had a big issue at the beginning, and then they recovered pretty quickly because, even in Barcelona, they were on the second row. I think it was Max [Verstappen], Carlos [Sainz], and then Lando and Lewis [Hamilton] on the second row; they were already competitive,” said Fred Vasseur, as reported by Motorsport.com

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Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari needs to improve their tire management strategies

Ferrari had a strong performance, with Carlos Sainz securing P1 in Singapore, followed by P4 and P6 finishes in Japan. However, they encountered challenges during these races, particularly in managing their tires effectively. Carlos Sainz used his tactical skills to save the tires from degrading in Singapore, but both Ferrari drivers faced similar tire management challenges during the Japanese Grand Prix.

Ferrari's SF-23 (via: IMAGO)
Ferrari’s SF-23 (via IMAGO)

In light of the challenges faced by the team, Fred Vasseur acknowledged that in the early races of the season, the team faced challenges with tire degradation and tire management, which were not their strongest points. He said, “I think it’s a step forward compared to the beginning of the season…It’s sure if you have a look on the first couple of races of the season, the degradation or the tire management, were not always our biggest skill, let’s say.”

Fred Vasseur also admitted that the team has made improvements in their strategies and their execution compared to the previous season. He provided an example of keeping Carlos Sainz out for the last season stop to change tires, which ultimately helped him attack George Russell while benefiting from the DRS trail with Lewis Hamilton in Suzuka. Concluded Fred Vasseur, “The race was under control, the strategy was well managed. We did well. A clear step forward compared to the first part of the season.”

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