Ferrari team boss makes concession on a vital F1 technical area
11/14/2024 01:23 PM
Scuderia Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has expressed the view that while Formula 1 flexi-wings are not necessarily “a game-changer,” the Maranello team must fully commit to their design in order to remain competitive.
The FIA stepped in to monitor the flexing of wings on several top teams, using high-speed cameras starting at the Belgian Grand Prix in July, as the flexi-wing controversy resurfaced. Following an investigation, the governing body confirmed that the flexing observed was within the acceptable limits.
Frederic Vasseur acknowledged that the Italian side must now align itself with teams like McLaren, who have already embraced the technology, in order to stay in the fight for the 2024 Formula 1 world championship title, with three races remaining in the current season, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will take place at the 6.2-kilometre Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Nevada, USA, on Saturday, November 23.
“Clearly, it is not a game-changer, but we are in the situation today that every single hundredth of a second is making a difference” – the French manager pointed out in a recent interview with the Italian and international media – “But if you look at sprint qualifying [for the United States Grand Prix], we had two or three cars behind us by less than a tenth. If this detail or another one is bringing one-hundredth of a second [in performance], you have to do it.” – the Ferrari team boss added.
Fred Vasseur also admitted that Scuderia Ferrari was initially caught off guard by the FIA's involvement in the issue and the time needed for the FIA to make a decision regarding the legality of the design: “There was frustration because at one stage we were waiting for the decision of the FIA when they installed the cameras. We were convinced that it would go for the 'no go'. And it went for the ‘go’! So probably we lost one or two months.” – the French manager concluded.
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