Ferrari, after a very long time, has lastly proven the potential to win the title if it continues down this path. The frustration of shedding to McLaren by simply 14 factors was shortly overshadowed by a way of hope and pleasure for the longer term.
Workforce Principal Fred Vasseur was in nice spirits as he welcomed a gaggle of worldwide media to an occasion area overlooking Ferrari’s gorgeous Fiorano check monitor through the group’s conventional Christmas lunch.
Thought of essentially the most difficult job within the sport, the strain on the shoulders of the particular person main Method 1’s most well-known group is big, however Fred Vasseur has taken on the position with exceptional ease.
It’s, in fact, nonetheless early days. That is solely the second 12 months of what he and Ferrari hope can be a long-term collaboration, however the indicators from this season are constructive.
Fred Vasseur is an extremely likable determine, with a formidable capability to defuse tense conditions along with his dry humorousness. To this point, this technique has labored very effectively in Maranello, as has his all-encompassing method to the job and a administration model that enables his staff to take dangers with out worry of punishment.
The aim has not been achieved—removed from it. In fact, bringing the championship again to Italy is the goal, however what the Scuderia really wishes is the beginning of a brand new profitable cycle, just like the one skilled between 2000-2004 with Michael Schumacher or the dominance loved by Purple Bull and Mercedes over the previous 20 years. Nonetheless, he’s glad with the progress made up to now. “It was a very good season for us, actually with ups and downs like everybody else, however with extra ups than downs,” he says, as we sit down for a one-on-one chat in a phenomenal constructing a stone’s throw from the house of founder Enzo Ferrari. “It was an excellent season in comparison with 2023.”
“We’re not off course. We have now improved in each single pillar of efficiency: reliability, technique, pit stops, pure efficiency. Concerning the KPIs, we achieved 5 wins in comparison with one, and when it comes to factors, we scored 60% extra in 2024 than in 2023.”
“Every part goes in the appropriate course. We missed the ultimate step, however after we went to Abu Dhabi, the proportion likelihood of profitable was very low. After Saturday, it was even decrease. It’s true that after the second or third lap, I believed, ‘Ah, the planets are virtually aligned now, let’s push.’ However it wasn’t in Abu Dhabi the place we fell quick. Abu Dhabi was a very good occasion; it was extra in Canada the place we had a double zero or through the summer season the place one thing was missing.”
Ferrari responded effectively to the mid-season hunch and completed the season on an extremely constructive observe, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc each making the rostrum in Abu Dhabi. General, it was a big step ahead.
This 12 months, Ferrari was solely 14 factors behind the leaders, in comparison with 454 final 12 months, and in addition to this clear enhance in factors, the proportion of podium finishes rose by 175%, and the common factors per race elevated by 44.91% in 2024. These statistics weren’t sufficient to win the title, however they’re the type of numbers that, if persistently repeated, will put them ready to make the ultimate leap. The truth that Ferrari convincingly beat reigning world champions Purple Bull and Mercedes is an announcement of intent, despite the fact that they narrowly misplaced to McLaren.
What made the distinction this 12 months? “There’s no massive distinction,” says Fred Vasseur. “We’re making an attempt to enhance in each single space of efficiency, in each single division of the corporate. It’s one small step after one other.
“It’s not about having one thing that may change the sport, there’s no magic bullet. It’s a must to hold this mindset and push each member of the group to attempt to do a greater job, making an attempt to avoid wasting a gram on each half, and I believe within the final month we’ve made good progress. Definitely, it’s not sufficient, however we’re not off course.”
He provides, “It’s a endless challenge, a endless means of hiring, growing, and making an attempt to do a greater job.”
His drivers have been additionally distinctive in 2024—with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc ending the season with career-high factors totals—and have been instrumental in Ferrari’s enchancment.
“I believe Charles has made a step ahead in administration, not simply of the tires but additionally of the race,” says Vasseur. “The administration of his method was a bit extra… I wouldn’t say centered, however much less distracted at instances. General, it was a very good season from Charles. Not at all times simple. Even after we had robust moments, like in Austria, Spain, and the UK, he was capable of come again, to have a constructive angle. I believe that response was necessary for him and for the group.”
“For Carlos, it’s true that final 12 months was in all probability step one in Ferrari’s response. He got here again after the summer season break with very high-level performances—the rostrum at Monza, the pole at Monza, the win in Singapore—and this pushed Charles to react and in the end obtain six or seven entrance rows in a row.”
“I believe we’ve made good progress, and that is a part of the group’s restoration. They’ve at all times pushed one another—in a constructive means—and have performed very effectively. I’m very glad with their relationship.”
Looking forward to 2025, Fred Vasseur expects a four-way struggle for the championship amongst his group, McLaren, Purple Bull, and Mercedes, particularly if the technical laws stay secure.
“Everybody takes dangers,” says Fred Vasseur. “In case you don’t take dangers, you’re useless. We all know the event of this automobile; it’s by no means simple as a result of we’re on the rise, and it’s at all times more durable.
“Everyone seems to be taking dangers, and we additionally must take dangers as a result of 2025 can be an odd season. We’ll have to modify fairly early to the 2026 challenge, which suggests the automobile we placed on monitor in Bahrain can be essential.”
Fred Vasseur has performed an excellent job reworking Ferrari’s tradition, eliminating the worry issue and inspiring all group members to take dangers. He has no intention of fixing this technique as he heads into his third season on the helm.
“I wish to hold the identical method as final 12 months when it comes to recruitment, improvement, and steady enchancment. This mentality is a part of the DNA of each F1 group. If in some unspecified time in the future you say you’re in form, I believe that’s the start of the tip. You’ll want to push past the bounds of each single space every single day and are available to the manufacturing facility each morning saying, ‘I must do a greater job than yesterday.’ You probably have this method, I believe you’re heading in the right direction.”
Nonetheless, one factor that can change is the id of one of many drivers: seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will be a part of the famed Italian group subsequent season on a multi-year contract. Fred Vasseur is understandably enthusiastic about one of many biggest drivers ever becoming a member of his group and sees his arrival as additional strengthening an already rising group.
“Will probably be a step ahead in constructing or growing the group. He brings his expertise, his background, and this can be useful for the group’s improvement. Will probably be helpful for Charles and for the engineers, and we have to take it as one other step in the appropriate course. It’s constructive for us.”
Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is one thing sudden. Along with Charles Leclerc, he’ll kind a unprecedented pairing that might mark a turning level for the group. There are numerous objectives and desires to realize, with 2025 promising to be an thrilling 12 months.
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