F1 strategy analyst praises Ferrari's radio communication progress ahead of Lewis Hamilton's debut

02/13/2025 05:23 PM

Scuderia Ferrari has long been criticized for its strategic missteps in Formula 1, but in recent years, the team has made a concerted effort to refine its decision-making and communication on race days.

Fans will remember the heartbreak of Charles Leclerc at the 2022 Monte Carlo Grand Prix in front of his home fans, where a pit stop blunder cost him a likely victory. Later that season, a poorly executed tire strategy at the Hungarian Grand Prix further highlighted Ferrari's struggles, ultimately denying them another race win.

Recognizing the need for change, Ferrari underwent significant leadership restructuring in 2023. Fred Vasseur, formerly Sauber's team principal, took charge and implemented a more measured approach to strategic decision-making. Instead of making abrupt personnel changes, as Ferrari had done in the past, the French team boss reassigned head strategist Iñaki Rueda to a factory-based role while placing Ravin Jain trackside to oversee race-day calls.

The results were evident—Ferrari's strategy execution became more precise, with fewer costly errors and a more aggressive approach that often put rival teams on the defensive.

Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, former F1 strategist Bernie Collins commended Fred Vasseur for his behind-the-scenes efforts in improving the Maranello team’s race operations.

Bernie Collins Applauds Frederic Vasseur for Ferrari's Strategic Overhaul

A prime example of Ferrari's progress came during Carlos Sainz's remarkable victory at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix. The win showcased the team's improved tactical execution, particularly their effective use of the undercut to fend off competition from McLaren and other challengers at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit.

Bernie Collins believes Ferrari now operates in a far more structured and efficient manner than in previous years, contrasting it with an era when drivers like Sebastian Vettel were often heard taking the lead in strategic decisions over the team radio. With Fred Vasseur at the helm, Ferrari has moved toward a more disciplined and proactive approach—one that could prove crucial with Lewis Hamilton joining the team in the 2025 Formula 1 campaign.

Bernie Collins noted that, based on her observations of team radio communications, Fred Vasseur appeared to be making a significant impact at Ferrari. She believed he was fostering trust within the team, allowing individuals to make their own decisions, stand by them, and move forward with confidence.

Bernie Collins also pointed out that Ferrari's strategy team had shown noticeable improvement over the past two years. She emphasized that everyone on the pit wall was highly intelligent, and the key to success was enabling them to make the decisions they deemed correct.

Hamilton Warned of Unique Challenges Ahead at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari is set to be one of the most talked-about stories of the 2025 Formula 1 season, as he embarks on a mission to claim a record-breaking eighth world title. However, former strategist Bernie Collins has cautioned that his transition may not be as seamless as some expect, emphasizing that the challenges of adapting to a new team should not be underestimated.

Collins highlighted that Ferrari's operational environment presents key differences compared to what Hamilton has been accustomed to at Mercedes. Variations in team terminology, cockpit layout, and even the design of the steering wheel could all require a period of adjustment for the seven-time champion. Even small details can have a significant impact when a driver is operating at the absolute limit.

In preparation for his highly anticipated Ferrari debut, Hamilton has already been busy familiarizing himself with his new surroundings. He has completed multiple test sessions, including track runs at Fiorano and Barcelona, to build chemistry with his race engineer and get a feel for the SF-25's handling.

During a recent Pirelli test, Lewis Hamilton posted lap times slightly faster than his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. However, given that the two drivers were running different programs and testing development tyres, the results are not indicative of any real performance hierarchy within the team. With pre-season testing still ahead, the British driver will continue refining his approach as he adapts to Ferrari's way of working.

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