UPDATE: Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, has made a shocking admission, acknowledging that he may have “underestimated” the psychological impact on the team following an early halt to the development of their 2025 Formula One car. This revelation comes just ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, intensifying the pressure as Ferrari remains the only top-four team yet to secure a victory this season.
Both Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton have openly voiced their frustrations, with Hamilton declaring this season as potentially the “worst of his career.” Hamilton’s struggles have been evident, as he qualified a disappointing 18th for the sprint race, marking a continuation of his woes after starting last in Las Vegas the previous weekend.
Vasseur explained the decision to shift development focus to the 2026 model early in the season, stating, “Quite early in the season, McLaren was so dominating in the first four or five events that we realized it would be very difficult for 2025.” This decision was made at the end of April, and Vasseur now admits it was a “tough call.”
He further acknowledged the challenges of maintaining team morale during a long season, emphasizing, “When you still have 20 races to go… and you know that you won’t bring any aero development, it’s quite tough to manage psychologically.” Despite this, Ferrari has introduced some mechanical upgrades and is focused on operational improvements, while eyes are set on a new engine and rules era for the 2026 season.
Vasseur expressed understanding regarding the drivers’ frustrations, stating, “We have exactly the same frustration in the garage or on the pit wall.” He emphasized the importance of reacting positively to these challenges: “I think, honestly, the frustration sometimes is good… I would be even more frustrated if the drivers were happy when we have a tough weekend.”
As the team prepares for the Qatar Grand Prix, the pressure mounts for Ferrari to turn their season around. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as the outcome could significantly affect team morale and future strategies.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ferrari’s performance and the developments in the 2023 Formula One season.
