Ferrari, Fred Vasseur speaks to the press
The Christmas tree and glitter, a vacation lunch below spring-like daylight, tortellini in capon broth, and beef medallions with a doable “vegetarian various”: the whole lot appears like a film. Spherical tables spaced nicely aside, with technicians alternating to reply each curiosity. There are new faces, reminiscent of Jerome D’Ambrosio, 38 years outdated, a Belgian with a Neapolitan grandfather who, surprisingly, has been the brand new deputy head of the Ferrari Racing Division for a number of months, and Loic Serra, 52 years outdated, a Frenchman with Sardinian and Venetian grandparents, the brand new technical director from Mercedes. Acquainted faces are additionally current, like Enrico Gualtieri (head of engines), Diego Ioverno (sporting director), and Mattia Togninalli (head of monitor engineering).
The Ferrari of tomorrow is exhibiting its greatest face with the engines off, with its high official, Frederic Vasseur, lastly happy with the construction he has managed to assemble and from which there at the moment are no excuses left—world titles are anticipated. In spite of everything, what higher historic alternative to compete in opposition to a Crimson Bull disrupted by inside disputes and the lack of key personnel, not the daunting opponent of 12 months in the past, and a Mercedes with out Lewis Hamilton, Loic Serra, and others, which can want time to rebuild?
The upcoming championship appears to be clean crusing for the Scuderia. Nonetheless, on this Method 1 vulnerable to twists and turns, and given a McLaren that emerged from nowhere and, with out the sources of the others, managed to safe the Constructors’ Championship after 26 years, something is feasible. This time, Ferrari has the benefit of ending the 2024 Method 1 season brilliantly and may proceed in the identical method, contemplating that the technical laws don’t change considerably. Briefly, the chance is ripe, and lacking it will be a failure. There isn’t a have to sugarcoat the goals. This, on the one hand, creates stress, however on the opposite, the favorable parts listed above are anticipated to make issues a lot simpler.
Fred Vasseur is aware of he’s about to face a trial by fireplace with a lot at stake, however he’s assured that he has made the precise strikes to intention excessive, aided by an organization that has allowed him dozens of hires, enriching Ferrari and depleting others. It should take time to combine individuals, nevertheless it’s not simply the worth of the brand new technicians that instills confidence. A basic factor usually missed is the huge arrival of exterior expertise and data—a breath of recent air, circulation of concepts, and debates that could be unpalatable to those that have been in Maranello for years however have been indispensable to leap into the longer term. Ferrari, like different groups, is aware of that the true revolution awaits in 2026 with laws that can change considerably, requiring a recent begin. On this sense, the 2025 Ferrari is coexisting with the one for the upcoming years when it comes to design, planning, and improvement—a difficult job requiring fertile and numerous minds to maneuver past the apparent.
In a really company environment, stingy with smiles and with predictable, rehearsed statements, a sensible and direct Fred Vasseur emerged, centered on necessities. He brazenly declared that Lewis Hamilton wouldn’t obtain a personalised presentation at Ferrari with festive press protection however would as an alternative combine into the Scuderia “with out making a present” (no particular time or place was given). There have been no particulars concerning the genesis of his hiring, besides that Fred satisfied the seven-time champion by presenting him with a long-term venture, which was enthusiastically accepted, so “ultimately, it wasn’t laborious to persuade him to tackle the problem.”
As for Lewis Hamilton’s underwhelming leads to current races, “there’s no concern; they have been circumstantial, and when he had the instruments, he delivered glorious performances.” Loic Serra, who was alongside Hamilton all these years, bolstered the purpose: “Lewis is similar as earlier than; he’ll shock everybody along with his efficiency. Don’t doubt it.” And Charles Leclerc? Fred Vasseur gave him a light-weight pat on the cheek: “He’s improved, progressed, and is on the precise path.” Concerning the inevitable rivalry between the 2—a subject inflicting some inside nervousness—he added that “competitors between drivers advantages efficiency. It’s higher to have two drivers preventing on the entrance than two on the again.”
Clear phrases, no wasted time. The presentation of the “utterly new automotive” is scheduled for February 19. After that, it will likely be instantly evident in Bahrain after which in Australia on March 14 whether or not the work finished has been glorious. Nonetheless, judging by the environment, doubts are few, and optimistic indicators are considerable, pointing in a single route solely: the championship. So, Merry Christmas, glad (quick) holidays, and all the perfect. Bear in mind, although, that Enzo Ferrari usually remarked that the certainty-induced intoxication earlier than the automotive hit the monitor involved him excess of the inevitable points that arose when a brand new automotive first rolled out.
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