Vasseur Urges Ferrari to Keep Spirits Up After Monaco's Mixed Results
Ferrari's Fred Vasseur remains optimistic despite a challenging Monaco Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton secured a podium and Charles Leclerc faced a DNF. The team aims to address issues before the upcoming Barcelona race.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's Team Principal, remains upbeat following a turbulent Monaco Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton clinched a podium finish, while Charles Leclerc had a less fortunate home race, exiting due to brake problems. Despite the mixed fortunes, Vasseur insists on maintaining a positive outlook.
Ferrari entered the Monaco weekend with expectations high, especially given their prowess in low-speed corners. They initially met these expectations, topping the timesheets in FP1 and FP2. However, they found themselves behind Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen by the final practice session. Verstappen's early retirement from the race allowed Ferrari to gain an immediate advantage, but Leclerc's crash in Q3 and subsequent issues in the race left him empty-handed.
Hamilton's second-place finish, despite a pit lane speeding penalty, was a testament to his resilience. Vasseur praised Hamilton's growing confidence and adaptation to the car, marking it as a positive sign of the team's progress.
Leclerc's weekend was marred by brake troubles, culminating in a crash reminiscent of Lance Stroll's earlier incident. Vasseur, who missed qualifying due to medical reasons, acknowledged the frustration and outlined plans to address the technical issues before the next race in Barcelona.
Leclerc, understandably upset, stated the brakes made it 'impossible' to avoid his crash. Yet, amid the disappointment, Ferrari announced a contract extension with him, signaling their long-term commitment.
Looking forward, Vasseur is focused on improvement. "We need to keep our focus on ourselves, continue working hard and maximise every opportunity," he stated, emphasizing the team's positive trajectory and the chance to rebound in Barcelona.