Fred Vasseur discusses reviving Ferrari as title challengers and ambitions for next F1 season
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Ferrari may not have clinched their first constructors' championship in 16 years in 2024, but for the first time in many seasons, they appeared to be a team that could genuinely challenge for the title, provided they maintain their current trajectory. While there was natural disappointment in narrowly missing out to McLaren by a mere 14 points, that sentiment was quickly overshadowed by a renewed sense of optimism and excitement about what the future could hold.
Team Principal Frederic Vasseur delivered a charismatic performance when he hosted a gathering of international media at an event space overlooking Ferrari’s iconic Fiorano test track, in the company of the team's traditional end-of-season Christmas luncheon.
Often described as one of the most demanding roles in sport, the pressure on the leader of Formula 1's most iconic team is immense. However, the former Alfa Romeo team boss has adapted to his role with remarkable ease, demonstrating a natural comfort in the high-stress environment.
It's still early days in his tenure, of course. This was only his second year at the helm of Ferrari, and both he and the team are optimistic about the long-term partnership. The positive signs from this season, however, cannot be ignored.
The French manager is a likable and approachable leader, known for his ability to defuse tense moments with his dry sense of humor. His approach has proven successful at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, where his all-encompassing work ethic and management style have empowered his team members to take risks without fear of retribution.
While the ultimate goal remains elusive – bringing the championship back to Italy – Ferrari's true ambition lies in the establishment of a new era of dominance, akin to the one they enjoyed with Michael Schumacher between 2000 and 2004, or the ongoing success Red Bull and Mercedes have experienced in recent years. Despite the absence of a title this season, Frederic Vasseur is content with the progress the team has made.
"It was a good season for us, for sure with ups and down as with everyone, but with more ups than downs," – the Ferrari team principal pointed out in a recent discussion with F1 Correspondent & Presenter Lawrence Barretto that took place in a location close from founder Enzo Ferrari's house. "It was a very good season compared to 2023. We're going in the right direction. We improved in every single pillar of performance – reliability, strategy, pit stops, pure performance and on KPIs, we were five wins against one and on points, we scored 60% more points in 2024 than 2023.” – the Frenchman added.
"Everything is going in the right direction. We missed the last step, but when we went to Abu Dhabi, the percentage of chance to win was very low. After Saturday, it was less than very low. It's true after Lap 2 or 3, I say 'ah the planets are almost aligned now, let's push'. But it's not in Abu Dhabi that we missed something. Abu Dhabi itself was a good event, it's more in Canada we had a double zero, or in the summertime we missed something."
The Maranello team has made a remarkable recovery after a mid-season slump, finishing the year on a high note with both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc securing podium finishes in Abu Dhabi. In the grand scheme of things, this represented a significant leap forward for the team.
In 2024, they were just 14 points behind the leaders, a drastic improvement from the staggering 454-point deficit they faced the previous year. Alongside this impressive increase in points, their rate of podium finishes rose by 175%, and their average points per race saw a 44.91% improvement compared to 2023. While these statistics weren't enough to secure the championship, they reflect the kind of progress that, if maintained consistently, could position Ferrari to make that crucial final leap. The fact that Ferrari managed to surpass the reigning world champions, Red Bull and Mercedes, in such a convincing manner is a bold statement of intent, even though they ultimately fell short to McLaren.
What has been the key to this transformation in 2024? "There is no big difference," the French manager replied – “We are trying to improve on every single area of the performance, in every single department of the company. It's small step by small step. It's not a case of having something with a game-changer – there is no magic bullet. You need to keep this mindset and push everyone in the group to try and do a better job, try to save one gram on each part and this I think we did a good step forward over the last month. For sure it's not enough but we are going in the right direction. It's a no-end project, a no-end process to recruit, to develop, to try to do a better job." – the Ferrari team boss continued.
Ferrari's drivers delivered exceptional performances in 2024, with both Carlos Sainz, who will join Williams next season, and Charles Leclerc achieving career-high points totals, playing an integral role in the team's progress.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that Leclerc had made a notable improvement, especially in race management, which included not only tire management but also better handling of the overall race strategy. He observed that Leclerc's approach was more focused, with fewer moments of distraction, contributing to a more composed performance. Despite facing challenges during the season, particularly in Austria, Spain, and the UK, Leclerc demonstrated resilience, bouncing back each time with a positive attitude. Vasseur emphasized that this ability to recover from difficult situations was critical both for Leclerc's development and for the team's morale.
Regarding Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur pointed out that the Spaniard's performance in the second half of the 2023 season marked the beginning of Ferrari's turnaround. Carlos Sainz's strong results, including a podium and pole position in Monza and a win in Singapore, sparked a competitive response from Leclerc, who then achieved an impressive series of front-row finishes. Fred Vasseur felt that this mutual push between the drivers had been instrumental in Ferrari's recovery, praising their supportive yet competitive dynamic and expressing satisfaction with their relationship.
Looking ahead to 2025, Fred Vasseur anticipates a fierce four-way battle for the championship between Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes, particularly with the stability of technical regulations. He acknowledged that every team would be taking risks, as not doing so would mean falling behind. Ferrari's car development is an ongoing challenge, and Fred Vasseur noted that as the team enters the final stages of their current car's development, the stakes will be higher than ever. With the shift to the 2026 project looming, he emphasized that the car debuting in Bahrain will be crucial for the team's prospects.
Fred Vasseur has made notable strides in reshaping Ferrari's internal culture, focusing on removing the fear factor and encouraging risk-taking at all levels. He has no plans to alter this approach in his third season at the helm, stating that maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement is key to long-term success. He believes that if a team ever feels content with its position, it signals the beginning of a decline. His strategy involves pushing the boundaries in every area and fostering an environment where every day brings the opportunity for improvement.
A significant change for Ferrari in 2025 will be the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will join the team on a multi-year deal. The Ferrari team boss expressed his excitement about having one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history join the ranks, seeing Lewis Hamilton's experience as a valuable asset in further developing the team. He believes Hamilton's presence will not only benefit Leclerc but also support the engineers, contributing to the team's overall growth. The French manager sees Lewis Hamilton's arrival as another positive step in Ferrari's ongoing evolution.
For Ferrari fans, the arrival of Lewis Hamilton marks the potential beginning of a new and successful chapter, with high hopes for a year full of positive developments in the 2025 Formula 1 championship
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