(Motorsport-Total.com) – Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur is convinced that his team is heading into the long Formula 1 break with a significant boost in motivation. Although the Scuderia is still chasing its first victory after the first three races of the new season, the start of the season already gives reason for confidence.
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“It’s the third podium in a row,” the Frenchman cheers after Charles Leclerc’s third place in Japan. The Monegasque was also on the podium at the opener in Australia, before Lewis Hamilton took his first podium for Ferrari at the second race in China.
“We want to achieve even more, but I think Charles showed a very, very strong performance against Russell at the end,” Vasseur also recalls Leclerc’s strong final phase in Suzuka, where he was able to leave Mercedes driver George Russell behind.
“It was important for us to keep Mercedes and Russell behind us,” the Ferrari team principal emphasizes. “The last ten laps also showed everyone at the factory and in the team that we can do it. This means it’s important and the best preparation for the break.”
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“It was a good fight overall, and he was very clever at times, letting Russell pass in the last chicane only to overtake him in the first corner,” Vasseur praises his driver. “He did very well with the overtaking maneuver against Russell.”
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“We can be satisfied, and he can be proud of his performance today. It was a very strong drive.” Now Ferrari hopes to be able to further reduce the gap to the top thanks to some updates announced for the next race in Miami.
“Like everyone in the paddock, we have a lot to do. It’s the start of the car’s homologation. This means we have to improve countless things,” Vasseur emphasizes. “After three races, we now have good data to understand the car’s competitiveness, where we are reasonably good and where we are not.”
“This means that performance comes from everywhere, but we have to take a step forward in every single area. This applies to everyone in the field, so it’s about being better than the others and taking a step forward.”
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