Vasseur: F1 “it’s not a matter of luck”
Before the official start of the French Grand Prix with the first practice sessions scheduled for tomorrow, Motors Inside met with Frédéric Vasseur, the Team Manager of the Alfa Romeo team. The Frenchman is known for not mincing his words. On the agenda for this interview: his team's performance, Kimi Räikkönen's contribution, Charles Leclerc's progression at Ferrari, and his opinion on the new 2021 regulations.
For his home Grand Prix, Alfa Romeo Team Manager, Frédéric Vasseur, spoke to Motors Inside about the start of the season for his team and the undeniable contribution of Kimi Räikkönen this year. The Frenchman is also keeping a close eye on Charles Leclerc and shares his opinion on the upcoming Formula 1 regulations for 2021.
Frédéric, what are Alfa Romeo’s expectations for this French Grand Prix?
« We had a spectacular start to the season where we found ourselves 4th at the end of the third race, and afterwards, for various reasons—not really raw performance but more about exploitation, circumstances, race incidents—we had a few unlucky races, and this time we would like to be back in the Top 10, if possible with both cars. I especially want Antonio [Giovinazzi] to capitalize on the last qualifications he achieved where he managed to match Kimi [Räikkönen], sometimes even being ahead. We want to have a clean weekend. »
Precisely, how can you explain this sudden drop in performance?
Sometimes you shouldn’t try to rewrite history. We were very good at taking advantage at the beginning of the season but, for example, in Monaco, we were in the Top 10 with both cars in all sessions, we messed up in qualifying, received a penalty with Antonio, so he started last, got involved in a collision… yet there was a chance to have both cars in the Top 10 in qualifying. One thing is certain, there is a very tight pack between 7th place and 18th. It comes down to tenths and changes from one session to another. You have to have a perfect weekend to be ahead of this group. But since there is a huge reliability rate, that means there are only 4 places in the points outside the Top 6.
In the end, it’s luck that makes the difference…
« [Affirmative] It’s not a matter of luck! You just have to put everything in order at the right time on the most important lap. In the first race weekends, Kimi managed to get into Q2 by a hundredth or two and then he was able to qualify 7th. Right now we are two or three tenths behind. It’s not luck, it’s more about being opportunistic than anything else. »
What does Kimi Räikkönen bring to the team?
« A global vision of the car’s performance, an understanding of the tires, a global vision of the team that is a true added value for us. 19 years in F1 with Top Teams, it’s unmatched. It’s also a plus in terms of sponsorship; many partners come to us for Kimi. »
Do you think you can aim for the podium this year?
« In terms of pure performance, the podium is inaccessible for teams outside the Top Three… but there might be a weekend when there is a monumental clash between them [laughs]. Yet even then, this weekend, you have to be ahead of the others in the group. That’s when you need to be opportunistic and get the job done. »
Do you have the time to follow the performances of your former driver, Charles Leclerc? What is your view on his start to the season?
Of course! He almost won in Bahrain, he was magical in Baku until a certain moment. He shows the potential he has compared to Sebastian [Vettel], even though the latter doesn’t let himself be outdone. This is a factor that benefits Ferrari at the moment, this competition between the two drivers. Charles is a competitor, he never gives up anything.
Will the new regulations planned for 2021 be favorable to smaller teams like Alfa Romeo?
« We must not imagine that the change of rules will allow us to beat Mercedes and Ferrari. If it’s going to happen, it will be over time. It’s not a change in regulations that will help us. What is important for a small team is stability. The FIA wanted to change regulations, trying to limit costs, trying to reduce gaps between teams due to some of them having more resources, and that’s a good thing, but stability is needed after 2021, otherwise it will benefit the big teams because they are the ones capable of working on the 2019, 2020, and 2021 cars. So if we change regulations every time, they will always have a head start. Where we are thinking with four people about the next cars, they are thinking with 40! »
From our special correspondent in Le Castellet
