Vasseur pinpoints to qualifying as Ferrari's main struggle
After a difficult race for the Maranello-based team at Spielberg, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur continued to pinpoint to the qualifying performance as his outfit's main issue at the moment.
The final result was mixed for Ferrari at yesterday’s Austrian Grand Prix. On the one hand, Sainz returned to the podium, completing a very solid race, while on the other, there’s great disappointment for Charles Leclerc who tried to stage an almost impossible recovery following a collision at the start.
Team boss Fred Vasseur was not utterly disappointed after another tough race for the Scuderia as he took delight in Ferrari’s improvement that the Italian outfit achieved between Friday and Saturday.
"Today’s race gives us mixed feelings as it’s positive to be back on the podium with Carlos, who drove a solid race and brought home good points for the championship, but we didn’t score with Charles, who was involved in a racing incident at the start.
“So, all in all not a bad weekend even if there’s a bit of frustration as we probably could have done a better job especially at the beginning of it.
"We made a good step forward from Friday morning onwards but it’s not enough and we must continue to push as we need to have two cars fighting for maximum points at every race.
While Ferrari delivered several stand-out performances last year, the Scuderia worked hard over the winter to improve its race pace. Although the Italian team’s efforts were successful, the SF-24 has lost its competitiveness in qualifying trim.
Vasseur stressed after the Spielberg round that his team needs to lift its performance on Saturday to enhance its chances in races.
"Once again we need to work to improve our qualifying pace as starting nearer the front in such a tight field means having a better chance of finishing at the front, picking up opportunities and stay away from troubles.
“One final word on this weekend, to see such a close fight for the lead, with drivers really pushing one another, eventually ending with an unexpected winner, while there were other equally exciting battles lower down the field, is definitely very good for the popularity of this sport,” concluded Vasseur.
