Fred Vasseur downplays Ferrari’s Singapore GP qualifying success, brands it as ‘nothing special’

Ferrari have sealed their fourth pole of the season at the Singapore GP.

Fred Vasseur downplays Ferrari’s Singapore GP qualifying success, brands it as ‘nothing special’

Fred Vasseur with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari garage. (Credits: IMAGO)

Ferrari’s stunning performance in the Singapore GP qualifying has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world. With Carlos Sainz securing pole position and teammate Charles Leclerc clinching third place, the Prancing Horse has firmly planted itself at the front of the grid. But as team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized, there’s more to this success story than meets the eye.

The Maranello squad stands at the cusp of potentially ending Max Verstappen’s and Red Bull’s perfect winning streak. Vasseur, however, played down any notion of extraordinary achievement. He brushed off the notion that Ferrari had pulled off something special in Singapore, preferring to attribute their performance to consistent hard work and a strategic approach.

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Speaking to Sky Sports F1, as reported by Formula Passion, the Frenchman said, “I don’t know if we did anything special, but we had a very good weekend right from the start,” Vasseur remarked. The team has brought only just minor upgrade – a modified rear wing. Despite this, they had an edge over their rivals all through the weekend.

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The weekend showcased Ferrari’s ability to fine-tune their pace, with both drivers excelling in practice sessions. Vasseur noted, “Both drivers did good free practice. We built our pace this weekend without any problems, and I think this is the most important aspect.” On a weekend where things could go wrong drastically, the team had near-flawless sessions up until now.

Discover: Carlos Sainz brims with belief that he can end Red Bull’s dominance, vows to ‘give everything’ for Singapore GP triumph

Fred Vasseur claims that he was not surprised by Carlos Sainz’s pole

Sainz’s sensational pole position was a testament to his consistency and determination. Fred Vasseur expressed no surprise at Sainz’s performance, acknowledging that he had been at the top of his game throughout the weekend. “I’m not surprised by Carlos’ performance,” Vasseur stated. He praised Sainz for putting together an excellent lap when it mattered most.

Carlos Sainz after his pole at the Singapore GP
Carlos Sainz after his pole at the Singapore GP (Credits: Pit Pass)

One of the key factors contributing to Ferrari’s success is the healthy collaboration between Sainz and Charles Leclerc. While there have been whispers about a potential rift between the Ferrari teammates, they worked in harmony today to earn their second pole in a row. Vasseur emphasized their role in helping each other develop and analyze their driving. “They help each other progress,” he noted, highlighting their complementary strengths on different sections of the track.

Looking ahead to the race, Vasseur acknowledged the potential threat from Mercedes, particularly George Russell, who secured the second spot on the grid. He also noted Mercedes’ advantage with an extra set of medium tires for the race. Lastly, Ferrari’s remarkable performance in Singapore’s qualifying may not be considered ‘special’ by Vasseur, but it speaks volumes about the team’s consistent efforts and their drivers’ dedication. 

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