Frederic Vasseur talks about the battle against Mercedes for the second place
As Ferrari is now only four points behind Mercedes in the constructors' standings, it is time for reflection and preparation for the final stage of the season in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Frédéric Vasseur, team principal of the Scuderia, has spoken about this race for second place.
After gaining 16 more points than Mercedes in Las Vegas, aided by Charles Leclerc’s second-place finish in the final lap and Carlos Sainz’s comeback to sixth place, the two teams find themselves with a 4-point difference. Therefore, the next and final race of the season in Abu Dhabi will be decisive in determining which team will finish 2nd in the constructors’ standings.
Frédéric Vasseur is aware that his team has come a long way in this championship race. If we consider that we were 60 points behind them just a few races ago, we are on the right track, he said. But Abu Dhabi will be a different story, four points is both nothing and a lot.
And once again, we were able to perform in Monza, in Singapore, in Mexico, on different tracks with different weather conditions, different compounds, and we can be more than motivated before Abu Dhabi. The momentum is with us, and let’s see what happens.
The Frenchman admitted that there were mixed opinions within Ferrari after Charles Leclerc led the race, and that the safety measures taken right after his pit stop did not work in his favor.
« Of course, from our side, it’s a strange feeling, he said. « You take pole position, you overtake Red Bull three times during the race and you finish in P2. It’s not usual. […] But I also think that the timing of the safety car was the worst for us, four laps after our pit stop. But well, that’s how it is.
He nevertheless wishes to congratulate his two drivers, who have managed to overcome the challenges and constraints they had to face during the Grand Prix. « Charles did a very good job. But even Carlos, if we take into account the incident on Friday, the story of the FP1, in addition to the collision at turn 1, he was P20 or P18 and he came back to P6. Overall, for us, it was a good weekend ».
Fred Vasseur admitted that he did not think the Monegasque would be able to overtake Sergio Perez on the last lap. « It was on the edge », he said. « I was a bit surprised, probably less so than Checo. But it was a very good decision and I think he was so motivated ».
“Bonjour, comment ça va aujourd’hui ?”
