Ferrari have had a really strong second half of the 2023 Formula 1 season so far. Carlos Sainz became the only winner this season who is not a Red Bull driver. Meanwhile, Ferrari overtook Aton Martin for 3rd in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship. Fred Vasseur explains the balance the team is maintaining to clinch 2nd in the Championship against Mercedes while focusing on 2024.
A Brilliant Second Half
After the Formula 1 Summer Break, Ferrari seem to have turned a page. They did have a tricky race in Zandvoort, but Carlos Sainz still salvaged a P5. However, since then, they have managed to outscore both Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Red Bull suffered a nightmarish weekend in Singapore. Ferrari were the ones to pounce on their misfortune. Carlos Sainz won the race. He became the only driver in the 2023 Formula 1 season to do so without a Red Bull.
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Fight with Mercedes Heating Up
Ferrari were 56 points behind Mercedes before the summer break. In the 4 races since, they have brought that deficit down to 20. We are at the stage where all Formula 1 teams start worrying about the next season.
Fred Vasseur insists “It’s not a sacrifice”
However, Fred Vasseur thinks it is foolish to completely abandon the current car. “You don’t have to postpone the fight, the fight is with Mercedes today, and we have to take it. It’s always the best way to prepare for the future, for the mindset of the team, for everybody to be into the fight is crucial. And we’ll keep this fight until the end of the season.”
Fred Vasseur explained how each new part this season helps their development in the next season. “It’s never a sacrifice, because I think that performance is coming from performance. It’s too late to go into the wind tunnel for this season, but what we can do on the current car will help us for next year.”
Prestige on the Line
The profits from a Formula 1 season are distributed amongst the teams according to their standings. This means that every position gained makes a difference of about $12 million. However, for teams like Ferrari and Mercedes, the money doesn’t matter, especially with the cost cap.
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This battle is about prestige. While Red Bull continues to run away, it’s all about who comes second in the championship.
