Fred Vasseur believes Ferrari’s new aggressive approach in F1 2024 rivals Red Bull’s strategies.
- Ferrari’s progression began with a turnaround during last year’s Dutch Grand Prix with their SF-23 model.
- Earlier this season, Ferrari introduced upgrades in Spain that initially backfired due to porpoising issues.
- Despite setbacks, Vasseur champions a proactive strategy, emphasizing learning from risks.
- Ferrari now trails McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship but remains ambitious.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, has adopted a more daring approach that he believes is crucial for competing with the likes of Red Bull. Ferrari has shown signs of stepping out of its comfort zone, which Vasseur acknowledges as necessary for staying competitive in Formula 1. This change in mindset was noticeable going back to last year’s Dutch Grand Prix, where the Scuderia showed improved performance with the SF-23.
In the early part of the current season, Ferrari continued to build on its momentum with their new SF-24, an evolved version of their previous model. Despite futuristic upgrades, the team encountered a hurdle at the Spanish Grand Prix when changes, including a new floor design, introduced a problem known as porpoising, forcing them to revert to an earlier setup.
Vasseur asserts that becoming ‘more aggressive’ is more beneficial despite the risk of occasional errors. ‘This new basic attitude meant a lot more than anything else,’ he explained, expressing confidence that it’s better to push the boundaries in terms of fuel, weight, cooling, and car setup. Such strategies remind him of Red Bull’s winning formula and embody his belief that risks, when managed correctly, can enhance performance.
However, Vasseur acknowledges that risk-taking entails potential mistakes, demonstrated by their Spanish Grand Prix experience. He argues that learning to operate on the edge makes the team more cautious and precise: ‘If you weigh out every kilo and plan your cooling needs perfectly, you can cover critical positions on the grid,’ he noted. This philosophy requires continuous adjustment while staying vigilant not to overreach, which could lead to penalties or disqualification.
Ferrari’s assertion in pursuing a more dynamic strategy reflects their aspiration to excel in a highly competitive field, even as they fall behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship by 21 points. The team embraces the idea that calculated risks are essential for success and are ready to accept mistakes as part of their growth.
Ferrari’s commitment to pushing boundaries underscores their ambition to climb the competitive ranks of F1.
