The Ferrari of 2023 and the Ferrari of 2024 are two worlds apart. The ardent F1 fans can tell that the team has improved a lot since Frederic Vasseur took the command from Mattia Binotto. Their recent results might suggest otherwise, but they still have hope. Just like last year, Vasseur’s boys were able to bounce back. Although problems like bouncing and tire management persist, the Leclerc-Sainz duo’s promising finish is sending a positive note across Maranello.

Who would’ve thought Ferrari could bag a podium in Zandvoort? The results of the Dutch GP shocked the team. Charles Leclerc took P3, just days after struggling to regain his form. He also got a podium in Belgium, though he inherited it due to George Russell’s DSQ. Now, team principal Fred is focusing on Monza and laying the groundwork for the future. Ferrari has always excelled in Qualifiers but struggled in the main race. Although they made progress earlier, Vasseur has stressed their recent disappointment. Given Ferrari’s performance in Zandvoort and their records in the Italian circuit, could Fernando Alonso be right to be optimistic about Monza and Singapore?

However, Vasseur sternly stated: “I don’t need anyone to tell me whether we are the favorites or not.” Adding: “Our approach will be the same. I hope that in the next two or three events we will be in better shape. Last year we were much better on these tracks.” Frederic further mentioned: “The fact that we are better on the short corners will help us. However, we were very far away, so I would never go to Monza, Baku or anywhere thinking that it would be a walk in the park.” It would be a stretch to compare the past with the present, even Max Verstappen, who was dominant in Zandvoort, couldn’t win this time! And considering the current situation in Ferrari, with a flawed SF-24, predicting anything would be too early.

Moreover, Frederic Vasseur himself isn’t guaranteeing anything on the team’s behalf. Of course, he has faith in his boys, but everything is standing on a weak ground lately. But, Fernando Alonso’s appreciation and expectation would surely be a tad bit of a boost for the Red squad.

Frederic Vasseur and Co. get a thumbs up from alumnus as Ferrari sets the tone for Monza

Two-time world champion and former Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso has a nice message for the Prancing Horse. “Looking ahead, Ferrari should be the team to beat in the next two races,” Alonso remarked. The next two races are Monza and Singapore, followed by Baku. The 42-year-old further stated: “Considering their past successes, such as Charles Leclerc’s win in Monaco earlier this year, and their strong performances in Monza and Singapore last year, they appear well-positioned to excel.” Both the Italian GP, which is Ferrari’s home race, and the Marina Bay Street Circuit have been the playing ground for the Red team.

Charles Leclerc has won in Monza, and Carlos Sainz has picked a podium in the same. Sainz also won in Singapore last year, and what a marvel it was! Remember when Carlos put Norris in the DRS zone and said “It’s on purpose”– literal chills. And maybe, 2024 wouldn’t be an exception. A few setbacks do not determine if a team is bad or failing. Frederic Vasseur has surely set his strategies for the upcoming events. We know he’s a mastermind, so if both Sf-24s excel with flying colors, we wouldn’t be surprised.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso’s P10 at the 2024 Dutch GP is a positive note for him. The Spaniard has been struggling with his current car, however, Zandvoort turned out to be slightly happening. Meanwhile, instances of the past and flawed yet optimistic performance in the Netherlands are channeling new energy in Vasseur’s squad. Will Alonso’s predictions see the light in the upcoming races or will it be another ‘Ferrari is back to point zero’ moment? We’ll find out soon.