Vasseur Hints Ferrari Might Be 'Fighting' Red Bull 'Every Single Weekend' After New Upgrade

Wednesday, 08 May 2024 at 22:00

Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, discussed his team's upcoming upgrade package, which is expected to be shown at Imola Circuit during the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Ferrari is one of the last teams to introduce the first significant upgrade. While the Italian team took their time with it, the words of Scuderia drivers suggest they expect to make a substantial step forward.

The team from Maranello is supposed to introduce this upgrade during the seventh race weekend of the season at Imola Circuit in Italy.

However, rumors suggest Ferrari already prepared two filming days (which will also be utilized as testing days) with upgraded cars at their private circuit in Fiorano on Thursday, the 9th, and Friday, the 10th of May. Speaking about the upgrades, Vasseur told the media after the Miami Grand Prix, as quoted by SB Nation:

"We don't have to expect that it will be a game changer, but it's so tight that we can work performance."

Read also

Horner Clarifies What Happens With Adrian Newey After Miami Grand Prix

According to Formu1a.uno, an upgraded version of SF24 will include a new floor, a new front wing, slimmer side pods more similar to Red Bull, and smaller radiator openings. Vasseur explained how getting his team to close the gap to the leading Red Bull changes the dynamics of the race:

"What is true is that compared to one year ago when we are able to do a good job and to put everything together, we are there, it means that we are putting [Red Bull] a little bit under pressure. They have to take to be a bit more aggressive with the strategy."

"They are not anymore in the comfort zone of last year when last year that doesn't matter what's happened after lap two, they were in front and it's, I think it's a game changer in the management of the race."

The 55-year-old team principal closed with an interesting statement. He suggested Ferrari only needs a small step forward before they can fight Red Bull "every single weekend," then winked and smiled.

"And this, it's an opportunity for us because that if we are doing another small step, I think that we will be really in a position to fight with them every single weekend."