Fred Vasseur: “Ferrari can turn the page in China, and we will see the re…read more
Ferrari is heading to the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai with a sense of urgency, looking to address the issues faced in Melbourne during the season-opening race. Team principal Frederic Vasseur believes the upcoming weekend in China will provide a clearer indication of the true potential of the SF-25. The Shanghai race will be an opportunity to move past the difficulties experienced in Australia and get a better understanding of their car’s performance in different conditions.
Vasseur explained that the team is eager to get back on track so soon after the Australian Grand Prix, as the Chinese race offers a chance to quickly move on from past mistakes. With Shanghai’s circuit offering a completely different challenge from Melbourne’s Albert Park, the race will be a chance to reset. The inclusion of the first Sprint weekend of the season also adds a new dimension to the event, with more points available, further increasing the importance of a strong performance.
The Shanghai International Circuit is known for its unique layout, which contrasts with the characteristics of the Australian track. Additionally, the tire compounds for this race will be the C2, C3, and C4, which are different from those used in Melbourne. The track’s new asphalt and varying weather conditions are also expected to affect the weekend’s dynamics. Temperatures for Friday’s practice are expected to peak at 18°C, while they will rise to 24°C for the rest of the weekend.
With the limited amount of free practice time, Ferrari will have only one hour of track time on Friday morning before the setups are frozen until after the Sprint race on Saturday. This means that the team will have to adjust to the new track conditions quickly. Vasseur pointed out the challenges that Shanghai’s circuit has presented in the past, with the racing line typically taking time to develop and the track needing a few sessions to gain grip.
From a technical standpoint, Vasseur emphasized the importance of Ferrari’s simulator work ahead of the weekend, which is crucial for preparing the car for Shanghai’s unique demands. The team will have to make the most of the limited practice time to understand the new surface and fine-tune the car’s setup for the best performance. He also mentioned that both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have had positive experiences at this circuit in the past, which will help the team in their efforts to optimize the SF-25.
On a more positive note, Ferrari had no issues with the delivery of equipment from Melbourne, with all materials arriving on time. In contrast, rival teams like McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes, and Aston Martin faced delays in receiving their technical crates due to a late cargo shipment. This timely arrival of equipment was a small but significant win for Ferrari ahead of the race weekend.
