“Gap Difficult to Close”: Fred Vasseur Gives Up Only Days After Cracking a Whip on Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz

The upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix will be a telltale of multiple storylines, that have the fans looking forward to it. Amongst the many storylines, is of Ferrari, and their pursuit of Mercedes. However, despite putting his drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz on the spot, Frederic Vasseur seems to have given up just days after, as he doesn’t seem too optimistic in Ferrari’s battle.

Ferrari has been in a close battle with Mercedes in the 2023 season, and unfortunately, they still can not overtake them in the constructors’ championship. Now that the gap between both teams is just 22 points, the three remaining races have a lot at stake for Ferrari. Moreover, with Lewis Hamilton also just 20 points behind Sergio Perez in the driver’s standings, a lot is on the line for both teams. However, it seems like the Ferrari team boss is not that confident.

Frederic Vasseur unsure whether Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz can defeat Mercedes

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are certainly not happy upon hearing what their team principal has just said. Despite horrendous team strategies, Vasseur hypocritically put them on the spot to get better results. But now is showing early signs of defeat, before the battle has even begun.

As per Formula Passion, Vasseur recently stated, “In the last two races we brought home two podiums and we were the team that collected the most points among those fighting for second place, even if the values ​​are very close and it seems clear how to close the gap that separates us from second position is always very difficult.”

Frederic Vasseur’s statement showcases that confidence is certainly running low at Ferrari. Granted, he is being a bit realistic with the expectations. However, in a hyper-competitive sport like F1, one has to be confident at all times, despite the situation. And with Vasseur being the team principal and somewhat of a senior figure, more should be expected of him.

READ MORE: Amid $13 Million Chaos With Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa Reacts to Track Entry Ban Imposed by F1

Imagine being Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz and hearing this statement from your own team principal, with 22 points being the difference. It’s quite likely that Frederic Vasseur giving up can psychologically affect these drivers. Especially Leclerc, who has shown an amazing qualifying pace, but has been unfortunate with the race results.

Does Ferrari have any chance against Mercedes, at the Brazilian Grand Prix?

As they say, you never know! Anything can happen in the world of sport. However, you simply can’t deny the history Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have on this track. With Hamilton being an honorary citizen of Brazil, the Interlagos is somewhat of a home race for him. Moreover, the Silver Arrows have quite a good track record of winning at this track.

But despite that, Ferrari should not give up already. Frederic Vasseur’s statement completely overlooks the fact that Ferrari heads into the Interlagos, with them having the second-best car on the grid. If the team can pull themselves together, there is still hope to ruin Toto Wolff’s and Mercedes’ hopes of defending their position.

WATCH THIS STORY | Charles Leclerc’s Resurgence Postponed as Frederic Vasseur Still Stands Engulfed in the Trial and Error Ways of Bouncing Back

Frederic Vasseur seems to have given up just days after being a hypocrite for putting his drivers on the spot. His statements will surely have some effect on the confidence of the team. However, let’s hope for the best, and may the best man win the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix!