Vasseur on Ferrari ambitions, Sainz, Leclerc, and F1 rules

Ferrari's Formula 1 team is set to embark on an ambitious campaign to bolster their ranks with prestigious technical experts from around the world.

In an interview with Leo Turrini, Ferrari's Team Principal Fred Vasseur, confirmed that he has received the green light from top management to initiate the talent search.

Vasseur's Plan for Strengthening Ferrari

Despite not disclosing any names or details during the press interaction, it is evident that Vasseur is already working behind the scenes to reinforce Ferrari's structure.

Vasseur, who is well-known for his shrewd management skills and penchant for attracting top talent, aims to find the right professionals who can integrate seamlessly with the team's current framework and contribute to the team's growth and success.

During the interview, Vasseur also mentioned Ferrari's appeal to the FIA for reconsidering the penalty that cost Carlos Sainz a well-deserved fourth place in Melbourne.

"Carlos was very disheartened, especially since the commissioners did not even listen to him, but he is already bouncing back, having spent time at the simulator in Maranello this week," Vasseur stated.

Red Bull's Budget Cap Breach and F1 Rule Changes

Vasseur acknowledged Red Bull's dominance in the sport but argued that the sanctions imposed on them for breaching the budget cap were too lenient.

He clarified that he was not making excuses but merely stating the truth.

Regarding potential rule changes for F1 Grand Prix weekends, Vasseur expressed his approval for introducing more dynamism to the sport.

"I don't mind talking about a new format for the Grand Prix weekend. Free practices are boring."

"Who would watch football team training? Introducing dynamic elements in F1 is a good thing," he said, with the caveat that it shouldn't always result in Red Bull victories.

Confidence in Leclerc and the SF23

When asked about Charles Leclerc's motivation, Vasseur assured that he has frequent conversations with the driver and has no doubts about his commitment.

Despite Leclerc's unfortunate setbacks due to engine failures, penalties, and race start incidents, Vasseur emphasized the Monegasque driver's full involvement in the collective effort.

Vasseur also expressed his belief in the SF23's untapped potential. "We are convinced that the SF23 has potential that we have not yet fully extracted."

"In Bahrain and Jeddah, we did well in qualifying but not in the race. In Australia, however, we made mistakes on Saturday, while on Sunday, the car had a good pace, right there with Alonso's Aston Martin," he said.

Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari must speed up its progression and has a planned series of interventions for the car.