Vasseur reveals why Ferrari can be optimistic when F1 returns after summer
Despite a tricky few months for Ferrari, team boss Fred Vasseur is hopeful the situation can improve. Vasseur expects the circuits immediately after the summer break will be well-suited to the SF-24. In combination with fresh upgrades from Maranello, the Ferrari team principal anticipates a positive picture.
Although Leclerc failed to convert his P1 grid slot in Belgium to a victory, Ferrari could take positives from Spa.
The SF-24 was relatively competitive in race trim, capable of keeping Mercedes and McLaren honest.
Red Bull were also kept at bay, albeit with some help from Verstappen’s grid penalty.
Along with these positives, of course, were some familiar sources of frustration for Ferrari.
Whilst bouncing was relatively limited in Spa, the team is still working around a sub-optimal platform.
The priority over the coming weeks is to correct past mistakes and begin a more promising string of aces.
Vasseur: Next races should be strong for SF-24
Speaking after the Belgian GP, Fred Vasseur gave reasons to be optimistic
“To fix the bouncing is a step in performance,” the Ferrari team principal explained.
“For sure, we are pushing like hell to bring something and we will do it as soon as possible.
“We have also I think a good sequence of tracks for us with Monza, Baku, Singapore… I think these are good tracks for the characteristics of the car.
“I think that the most important [thing] is to score points… to not lose points on McLaren and Red Bull, and we did it [in Belgium].
“It will be the same target in Zandvoort because I’m convinced that the next three or four races after these two will be much better for us.”
Ferrari still have time to unlock more performance from the SF-24 and return to fighting for wins.
Even with the recent set of failed upgrades, the Italian squad are within touching distance of F1.
As shown on numerous occasions this year, the pecking order can fluctuate from week to week.
If Ferrari can bring improvements to the SF-24, they can re-assert themselves as contenders.
