Ferrari bids farewell to 2023 with the third place in the constructors' classification. The second by Charles Leclerc to try to get the better of Mercedes, who finished third with George Russell and ninth with Lewis Hamilton. A season, that of red, so fluctuating that, in the last post-race of the season, team principal Frederic Vasseur wanted to analyze, together with the recently concluded Abu Dhabi GP, exclusively to the microphones of Sky Sport F1.
Ferrari, Vasseuro after the Abu Dhabi GP: “
Vasseur, how do you rate the 2023 season?
“We thought that without Perez's penalty it could have gone better. However, being able to finish fighting with Red Bull is satisfying. Let's keep the positive in mind: we struggled a bit at the beginning of the season, while in the last 7-8 races we went better and better. If we look at where we were 4-5 months ago it makes me think that we have made an excellent improvement."
What is the inconstancy accused by Sainz linked to?
“We have to think that our car was not easy to drive. This creates a possible lack of confidence, just think of Charles in Monza, while it happened to Sainz today. Too bad how it went. I think we were missing a little something but I don't know how much it depended on the car."
Looking ahead to next year, will the car change much?
“We will not overturn the project. When you are 3-4 tenths behind it means they are doing a better job. We lost a bit due to reliability but also due to various impediments. It doesn't just affect one area but many and we must continue to work. The important thing is to stay positive."
How did your first year at Ferrari go?
“I don't want to do this type of analysis by analyzing the past or the future. We always talk about Ferrari, and therefore about the work of thousands of people. I believe we have made a step forward during the season and we must continue like this during the preparation phase. We have a lot of room for improvement and we will continue to grow. I am convinced that in 2024 we will be even more motivated and I am happy to finish second on the track in this last race."
Was managing your kids' motivation difficult?
“I would like to continue with this type of motivation and attitude. Everyone always did their job step by step. I remember that we went through difficult moments in the season and the press talked about a fifth place and in the end we scored more points than everyone else, except Red Bull".
