Toto Wolff claims Fred Vasseur ‘deserves’ Australian GP 1-2, recalls when the Frenchman stood on a flight for 13 hours
Toto Wolff praised Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur as the Italian team clinched a 1-2 finish at the Australian GP.
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Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur (Via IMAGO)
The Australian GP marked a highly positive weekend for Scuderia Ferrari. The Fred Vasseur-led squad became the first non-Red Bull winner of the 2024 season with a stellar one-two finish. Carlos Sainz brought home the victory for the Italian Constructor followed by Charles Leclerc. Certainly, Vasseur‘s leadership definitely reaping benefits for the Constructor.
Hence, amidst the preparations for the Japanese GP, Toto Wolff applauded Fred Vasseur over the team’s success. Following a disastrous 2023 season, this year is definitely a refreshment for Ferrari. The 52-year-old mentioned that he was happy for Maranello and Vasseur. Subsequently, Wolff recalled how the Frenchman had to stand on an airplane for 13 hours on a flight due to a problem with a disc in his spine.
First of all, I'm happy for Ferrari, I'm happy for Fred. He deserves that. Last year, we were flying together and on the flight, Dubai to Melbourne [with] Emirates, he had a disc [in his spine] that jumped out and he couldn't sit or sleep. He was standing in the aeroplane for 13 hours.Wolff said, as reported by motorsport.com.
Following the injury, Ferrari sustained yet another disastrous week during that season. One challenger crashed during the race and the other driver could only score a P4 finish. As a result, this was a disastrous weekend for Vasseur who had a hard time on his way to the track. Hence, Wolff was glad to see the Frenchman’s squad take a 1-2 finish a year later.
Then, one of his cars crashed out and the other one finished P4, and it looked disastrous. He had the pressure for all of Italy and now he's had a 1-2.Wolff noted.
Toto Wolff claims Carlos Sainz and Italy ‘deserved’ Australian GP win
The entire weekend was taken over by Carlos Sainz‘s great comeback from appendicitis surgery. Sainz’s days before the race were filled with measures to ensure his quick recovery from the surgery. Additionally, Sainz had mentioned that he almost decided not to race in the Australian GP due to him being bedridden. Regardless, Wolff reiterated how Vasseur and all of Italy deserved to see Sainz win at Albert Park.
As much as I hate our situation, [Vasseur] deserves that. Ferrari deserves that. And Italy deserves it.Wolff asserted.
Additionally, Wolff claimed Sainz especially deserved the victory not only because of his recovery from the surgery. The 29-year-old deserved the win because he was ousted from Ferrari in 2025 following Lewis Hamilton‘s entry to Maranello. Hence, Sainz just gave a well-fitting response to the team for removing him from the lineup for the coming season unexpectedly.
Carlos deserves it - after not only the appendix, but also basically being told 'You're not here anymore'. And bang! You can see what some human power can do when it needs to.Wolff highlighted.
Hence, the Ferrari crew would be celebrating the win at the Australian GP until the next race weekend. The Italian Constructor has been performing exceptionally well compared to the other teams on the grid. Hence, Maranello could provide a serious challenge to Red Bull down the 2024 season.
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Aditya Pandya
(1560 Articles Published)