Fred Vasseur reveals the moment when it was “obvious” that Ferrari would struggle in 2023

Fred Vasseur admitted that he knew Ferrari was set to have a difficult season in 2023.

Fred Vasseur reveals the moment when it was “obvious” that Ferrari would struggle in 2023

Fred Vasseur (via IMAGO)

Scuderia Ferrari finished in third place in the F1 standings this year behind Red Bull and Mercedes. The Italian team had a failed title bid with Charles Leclerc in 2022. Subsequently, Maranello was looking to end its title drought this year. However, Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has revealed the moment the team knew it would have a difficult campaign in 2023.

Vasseur claimed that it was clear that Ferrari would struggle this year on the first day of pre-season testing itself. The Frenchman explained that the team tried to remain optimistic about its prospects with updates coming in throughout the season. As the Italian squad aimed to win a couple of races in 2023.

The first morning of the [first] test, I think that it was quite obvious already. You have still some hopes, you are developing the car, you are pushing, you are hoping to do pole position, to win one or two races.
Fred Vasseur said as reported by Racingnews365

The Ferrari team boss admitted that it was a tough season as Max Verstappen went on to win 19 out of 22 races. However, Maranello was the only team except Red Bull to take a win this year courtesy of Carlos Sainz‘s incredible drive in Singapore. While Charles Leclerc took multiple pole positions throughout the season.

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But if you think that at the end Max will win all the races except one, two or three, it was a tough season.

Fred Vasseur and Ferrari aim to improve in 2024

Fred Vasseur joined the Scuderia at the beginning of 2023. The Frenchman has previously explained that the team would need to bring in fundamental changes in its car concept to challenge Red Bull. Maranello brought in several upgrades this year in a bid to change its design philosophy.

Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari garage.
Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari garage. (image via IMAGO)

The Italian team has already made it clear that the 2024 challenger would be a completely different car compared to the SF23. Fred Vasseur is leading the team into a new direction for the development of its car. With Maranello working extensively to bridge the gap to Red Bull.

However, Scuderia Ferrari would continue to face an uphill task of matching Red Bull next season. The Austrian team is expected to make gains over the winter. Subsequently, Fred Vasseur and his team must ensure that the Scuderia can put up a fight against Milton Keynes in the upcoming F1 season.

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