Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, expressed his confidence after the qualifications of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, where the Scuderia secured an all-Red second row. With Carlos Sainz third and Charles Leclerc fourth, Ferrari appears well-positioned for the race, but Vasseur is aware that the competition will be tough, especially against direct rivals Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
Ferrari aims for victory
Despite the sparks between the two drivers during the Sprint Race, Vasseur is optimistic about the team’s chances for the race. “We started well today, third and fourth place give us a good base for the race. The SF-24 has shown good pace over the long distance, as we saw this morning. We need to maintain this performance tomorrow, and I think starting from third and fourth place anything is possible,” said Vasseur.
Race and strategy management
Vasseur stressed the importance of having both cars in the top four, a strategic advantage that Ferrari can use to put pressure on Norris and Verstappen. “It’s always an advantage to have two cars in the top four. It allows us to play with strategies and take different options. The track is complex, there are smooth and bumpy sections, and it’s not easy to find the ideal set-up. However, we have managed to make progress and our pace seems competitive,” he explained.
Duel between Leclerc and Sainz
Regarding the duel between Leclerc and Sainz seen in the Sprint, Vasseur does not seem worried and has confidence in his drivers’ ability to manage the situation in the race. “I don’t want to freeze the positions or intervene too early. I trust my drivers and the work they are doing. This morning we recovered on Norris also with the internal battle between Charles and Carlos, so I think we are on the right track. Tomorrow it will be important to manage the first lap well and then focus on the race,” added Vasseur.
Looking to the future
Finally, Vasseur expressed some frustration over George Russell's accident in Q3 of qualifying in Austin, which prevented Ferrari from improving its times. "We were two or three tenths ahead before the accident, but these things happen. We cannot rely on 'ifs'. The important thing is that we have shown that we have the right pace and tomorrow we will try to do even better," Vasseur concluded, suggesting that Ferrari has all it takes to fight for a strong result in the race.
Source statements: SkySportF1