Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur Warns of Potential Future Disqualifications
Ferrari Formula 1 team principal Fred Vasseur has issued a candid warning, suggesting that the team may face further disqualifications in the future. Vasseur’s comments come in the wake of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s disqualification from the recent Chinese Grand Prix.
In an interview with French publication L’Equipe, Vasseur acknowledged that the intense competition in F1 has led teams to push the limits, increasing the risk of disqualification. “Yes, that’s for sure,” he said when asked if Ferrari would experience more disqualifications in the coming year.
Vasseur emphasized the distinction between disqualification for taking risks and disqualification for cheating. He explained that the nature of F1 is to push the boundaries, striving for every last advantage. “The aim of the game in F1 is to push yourself to the limit of all parameters, everywhere. To get to the last gram of weight, to get to the last tenth of a millimeter of skid, to get to the last millimeter of wing deformation.”
The Ferrari team principal noted that the increased pressure and intense competition have led teams to take more risks, which can result in mistakes and disqualifications. He cited the example of Max Verstappen, who had a significant advantage in the past but now faces intense competition, leading to mistakes and adjustment errors.
Hamilton’s difficult start to the season has been compounded by his disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix. Despite his victory in the sprint race, Hamilton has managed to secure only one point from his opening two full-length races as a Ferrari driver. The team is struggling in the constructors’ standings, sitting in fifth place with just 17 points.
Vasseur’s warning suggests that Ferrari may face further challenges in the coming year. With the team already lagging behind McLaren and Mercedes, there is a lot of work to be done if they hope to challenge for a world championship in 2025.
