Fred Vasseur has emphasised that Ferrari must put together a clean weekend to deliver results on home soil.
Ferrari left Zandvoort empty-handed, with retirements for Leclerc and Hamilton bringing their races to an end prematurely.
This weekend is a chance for an immediate response, with the Maranello squad preparing for their home Grand Prix in Italy.
Leclerc claimed his second victory at Monza last year, with intelligent strategy defeating the superior pace of the MCL39’s.
Repeating this result will be more difficult this weekend, as Vasseur explained in his race preview.
Vasseur: “We must put emotions aside” in Monza
In a sport with regular changes in senior leadership, Fred Vasseur is the second longest-serving team principal in F1 behind Toto Wolff.
The Frenchman took Ferrari within a few points of the constructors title last year’ a fantastic recovery from what was a sorely disappointing 2023.
Ferrari’s result last season is more impressive in the context of their mid-season struggles, which stemmed from a botched upgrade in Spain.
It was at the Italian GP that Ferrari began their recovery, thanks to a series of corrections brought to the SF-24.
Fighting for victory will be more complicated this year, owing to McLaren’s greater advantage compared to last year.
The more realistic targets for the Scuderia to outperform are Mercedes and Red Bull, particularly given some of the vulnerabilities both teams have shown.
Monza does not necessarily play to Mercedes or Red Bull’s strengths. This should give Hamilton and Leclerc some additional incentive.
For Fred Vasseur, the priority is strong execution, and everything else will come after:
“We are aiming to give our very best to repay them for their constant support.
“However, in order to do that, we need to put emotions aside.
“And focus on ensuring that we execute the weekend to the best of our ability.
“From the very first lap of free practice, right through to the final lap of the race.
“Over the course of this season, we’ve made progress in terms of competitiveness.
“But with such a closely matched field, we must be flawless to get the results we’re aiming for.”
A big weekend for Ferrari
Whilst all teams have large fanbases and support, the passion for Ferrari is like no other.
The Scuderia are essentially Italy’s national team, which creates immense pressure throughout the year – but especially in Monza.
Over the last fifteen years, Ferrari have triumphed just three times at the Temple of Speed (2010, 2019, 2024), a testament to the challenge facing the team this weekend.
For obvious reasons, expectations this season are slightly lower than they were last year.
In this sense, Fred Vasseur will hope for a podium and strong double-points finish to improve the team’s position in the standings.
Ferrari’s advantage over Mercedes in the standings is just 12 points – a deficit that can be overturned in one race.
Red Bull are slightly further behind, 46 points adrift, but they are still a threat.
Tsunoda’s points in Zandvoort could spark the beginning of a more positive trend for the 25-year-old.
Unlike earlier parts of the season, both Red Bull cars have essentially the same specification.
This should complicate things for Ferrari, although it must be said the SF-25 has held its own against the RB21 and W16.
Both Red Bull and Mercedes have been inconsistent in recent months, which will give Hamilton and Leclerc some encouragement – despite the 5-place grid penalty Hamilton has been awarded.
The first hurdle to overcome is Friday Practice, which Ferrari must ensure is utilised to establish a strong baseline.
After this, the Italian team will hope to avoid the pit-falls of qualifying to be in a strong position for Sunday’s race.
Main photo: Ferrari media gallery
