This weekend is a chance for an immediate response, with the Maranello squad preparing for their home Grand Prix in Italy.<\/p>\n
Leclerc<\/a> claimed his second victory at Monza last year, with intelligent strategy defeating the superior pace of the MCL39’s.<\/p>\n Repeating this result will be more difficult this weekend, as Vasseur explained in his race preview.<\/p>\n In a sport with regular changes in senior leadership, Fred Vasseur is the second longest-serving team principal in F1 behind Toto Wolff.<\/p>\n The Frenchman took Ferrari within a few points of the constructors title last year’ a fantastic recovery from what was a sorely disappointing 2023.<\/p>\n Ferrari’s result last season is more impressive in the context of their mid-season struggles, which stemmed from a botched upgrade in Spain.<\/p>\n It was at the Italian GP that Ferrari began their recovery, thanks to a series of corrections brought to the SF-24.<\/p>\n Fighting for victory will be more complicated this year, owing to McLaren’s greater advantage<\/a> compared to last year.<\/p>\n The more realistic targets for the Scuderia to outperform are Mercedes<\/a> and Red Bull<\/a>, particularly given some of the vulnerabilities both teams have shown.<\/p>\n Monza does not necessarily play to Mercedes or Red Bull’s strengths. This should give Hamilton and Leclerc some additional incentive.<\/p>\n For Fred Vasseur, the priority is strong execution, and everything else will come after:<\/p>\n “We are aiming to give our very best to repay them for their constant support.<\/em><\/p>\n “However, in order to do that, we need to put emotions aside.<\/em><\/p>\n “And focus on ensuring that we execute the weekend to the best of our ability.<\/em><\/p>\n “From the very first lap of free practice, right through to the final lap of the race.<\/em><\/p>\n “Over the course of this season, we\u2019ve made progress in terms of competitiveness.<\/em><\/p>\n “But with such a closely matched field, we must be flawless to get the results we\u2019re aiming for.”<\/em><\/p>\n Whilst all teams have large fanbases and support, the passion for Ferrari is like no other.<\/p>\n The Scuderia are essentially Italy’s national team, which creates immense pressure throughout the year – but especially in Monza.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For obvious reasons, expectations this season are slightly lower than they were last year.<\/p>\n In this sense, Fred Vasseur will hope for a podium and strong double-points finish to improve the team’s position in the standings.<\/p>\n Ferrari’s advantage over Mercedes in the standings is just 12 points – a deficit that can be overturned in one race.<\/p>\n Red Bull are slightly further behind, 46 points adrift, but they are still a threat.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/09\/02a1c3a1-58ff-4efd-b028-1172ef74710a-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nVasseur: “We must put emotions aside” in Monza<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/08\/0c606bae-fa9c-4c64-9625-763eae57a31a-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA big weekend for Ferrari<\/h4>\n