“Surprised me”: Frederic Vasseur’s Crucial Achievement for Ferrari Applauded Amid Complex Politics & Underwhelming F1 Results

Ferrari isn’t just another name in the Automotive industry. The word Ferrari evokes emotion, culture, and long racing heritage, all built by Enzo Ferrari himself. While the old man Enzo might be criticizing what his team is doing with F1 from the heavens, Frederic Vasseur has taken it upon himself to lead them back to glory. And his first achievement in that endeavor has left everyone surprised. Amidst the poor performances and complex Ferrari politics, what Vasseur has managed is no easy feat. But what has the Frenchman achieved? 

The 2023 campaign so far has been far from ideal for the Tifosi. It almost feels like a hangover from Mattia Binotto’s time at Ferrari. The last race in Miami was no different from the rest of the season. Charles Leclerc finished P7 whereas Carlos Sainz, who started P3, ended up in P5. Despite having one of the quickest cars in qualifying trim, the Ferrari clearly struggles in the race trim. The Italian media and Ferrari’s culture do not make it any easier while Frederic Vasseur and Co. are searching for a way to reach the top pedestal.

Frederic Vasseur must be under an immense amount of pressure. Fans expected him to pick Ferrari up and out of their titleless slump. Things aren’t really going as planned for Ferrari. Yet, Vasseur suggested after the dismal Miami GP that the atmosphere is much better within the team than it was earlier in the season. Italian journalist Roberto Chinchero suggested that he was very surprised at Vasseur’s feat of improving the atmosphere despite the not-so-favorable results.

According to the F1 Nation podcast, Roberto Chinchero said, “It was not easy for him because the first race that he attempted as Ferrari team principal was not so good for the team. The result was not what he expected. So yes, pressure, there is some pressure. But at the same time, especially in Miami, speaking with Fred. He said that ‘Now the atmosphere in the team is much better than in March’. And that surprised me a little bit honestly. I don’t know what’s gonna happen after Miami because Miami was a very tough weekend for the team.”

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It was already suggested and expected at the start of the season that Frederic Vasseur, being a Frenchman, would not be affected by the Italian culture at Ferrari. His entire focus lies on making the team and the car better, nothing else. Vasseur seems to have worked his magic. Charles Leclerc also explained how Vasseur was just trying to analyze the situation and is now ready to make the best possible changes.

Charles Leclerc supports Frederic Vasseur in his plans for Ferrari

Ferrari isn’t a regular F1 team to manage. The chain of command is different and Vasseur himself can’t alone call the shots. Charles Leclerc explained how the Ferrari TP was just analyzing the situation till now and will be starting his process now. The Monegasque further adds that he trusts the Frenchman with the decisions. He will also back him up with whatever he needs.

According to Formula1.com, Charles Leclerc said, “Well, I think he’s just starting this process now. Until now, he was basically trying to analyze the situation as quickly as possible in order to do the best changes possible for the future. So yeah, I think the big part of the job will be done from now on–so we will see. Obviously, I speak a lot with Fréd and I know what are his middle and long-term plans for the team. And I’m completely behind him and I trust him fully.”

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What do you think about Frederic Vasseur’s achievement? Do you think it’s impressive to achieve what he did in such circumstances?