Is Ferrari's Vasseur Confident the Team Will Recover This Weekend?
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Synopsis
As Ferrari heads into the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, team principal Frédéric Vasseur remains optimistic despite recent challenges. With the passionate Tifosi behind them, can Ferrari turn their fortunes around this weekend?
Key Takeaways
- Ferrari is aiming for improvement this weekend at their home circuit.
- The Tifosi play a crucial role in boosting team morale.
- Vasseur emphasizes the importance of not jumping to conclusions from practice results.
- Consistency remains a challenge for the team and its competitors.
- The team is focused on maximizing their performance across all sessions.
Monza, Sep 5 (NationPress) After a tumultuous experience at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, it seems Ferrari is set for another challenging time at their home event, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Kimi Antonelli's session ended with a spin into the gravel during Friday's practice.
Lewis Hamilton, who led a Ferrari 1-2 in the first practice session, much to the delight of the passionate Tifosi filling Monza’s stands, returned for the second session to finish fifth.
Lando Norris demonstrated impressive speed, topping the timesheets in the second practice session, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Williams’ Carlos Sainz.
The signs from Friday suggest the team is struggling on home turf, yet Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur urged fans not to jump to conclusions based on Friday's results.
"With the experience gained over this season and previous ones, it’s premature to draw conclusions after FP1 – and hopefully, because last weekend, we were last. There’s still a long way to go until qualifying and even more until the race concludes. We must focus on ourselves, continue improving the car and driving, and strive to maximize our potential. I will never draw conclusions after FP1," Vasseur stated during the Team Representatives press conference alongside Laurent Merier from Red Bull and Ayao Komatsu from Haas.
The Ferrari boss expressed a positive atmosphere within the team.
"Honestly, the mood is positive. Even though we faced a tough weekend last week in Zandvoort – particularly on Friday – the recovery was commendable. Despite a double DNF in the race, we departed with a positive mindset, feeling that we improved throughout the weekend.
"The other advantage is that we didn’t have to wait long for Monza. Therefore, from Monday morning, we were already in Monza. The overall mood is very good, and we received an uplifting boost from the Tifosi all week, starting Monday morning in front of the factory. This adds extra energy and is definitely beneficial," he remarked.
In a recent interview, Vasseur expressed his desire for the team to secure victories in the latter half of the season and was queried about their current standing ahead of the Monza event.
"I think no one expected us to secure pole position – least of all me – in Budapest. We recognize the competition is fierce, with four teams, and occasionally more, contending for pole. Certainly, McLaren is a step ahead, but it’s challenging for everyone to maintain consistency. There will be days when they falter, and on those days, we must be prepared. I don’t want to single anyone out – we need to perform well across the board and make the most of our capabilities," he concluded.
Point of View
I can confidently state that Ferrari's journey at Monza this weekend is one to watch. While the team faced setbacks in Zandvoort, the resilience and optimism from Vasseur and the team suggest they are poised for a comeback. The support from the Tifosi adds a unique pressure and motivation, making this an exciting narrative to follow.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges did Ferrari face in the Dutch Grand Prix?
Ferrari struggled significantly, culminating in a tough Friday session where they finished at the back, showcasing their ongoing difficulties with car performance.
What did Vasseur say about the team's performance in practice sessions?
Vasseur urged against drawing conclusions from the initial practice session, emphasizing the need for focus and continuous improvement as they prepare for the race.
How is the mood within the Ferrari team heading into Monza?
Vasseur reported a positive atmosphere, fueled by the support of the Tifosi, despite the previous week's challenges.
What are the expectations for Ferrari in the second half of the season?
Vasseur expressed a desire for the team to secure victories in the latter part of the season, highlighting the competitive nature of the current field.
How do the other teams compare to Ferrari at Monza?
While McLaren is currently a step ahead, Vasseur acknowledges the tight competition among multiple teams vying for pole position and race success.
