The action-packed Sprint weekend at the F1 Chinese GP was full of highs and lows for Ferrari, even before the disqualification of both drivers from the race due to technical infringements.
Hamilton stunned in the Sprint race, claiming pole and a win. However, both drivers struggled in the sessions for the main race. Hamilton and Leclerc only managed to qualify in fifth and sixth, failing to move forward in the race and claiming those same positions for the Italian team.
Before the news of Ferrari’s double disqualification at the Chinese GP, Vasseur spoke on Sunday in his print media session and reflected on the weekend for the team.
Can Ferrari catch McLaren?
McLaren have managed to continue their momentum from the end of the 2024 season, and have claimed victory in the first two races of 2025.
With Ferrari’s comparatively slower start to the season, Vasseur was asked whether he believed his team was capable of catching up to McLaren this season.
Vasseur explained how McLaren’s current strong form reminds him of the recent years of Red Bull dominance.
“I think the gap with McLaren is the gap that we had with Red Bull last year. They did 1-2 in the first two races. I think if I come back to the press conference of race two last year, I had the question, ’Do you think that they will be champion in June?’”
Last season, Red Bull started the season strong, winning four of the first five races of the season with Max Verstappen. Long before the end of the season, the rest of the field had caught up and Red Bull finished the Constructors’ Championship in third behind McLaren and Ferrari.
Vasseur was therefore very relaxed about McLaren’s current strong form. He shared, “That’s why we have to take it with a pinch of salt.”
Early days in the long season
Vasseur spoke highly of the current performance of the Woking-based team, who are leading the Constructors’ standings after victories for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Melbourne and Shanghai respectively.
“I’m sure that they (McLaren) are in good shape, they are doing well. The pace is strong, this is clear. I think they are a step ahead.”
Although the Ferrari Team Principal acknowledged the gap between his team and McLaren, Vasseur emphasised that it is still early days in the season and how everything can change over the 24 races.
“But it’s not the end of the championship, we have still 22 races.”
Will Ferrari concentrate on 2026 F1 regulations?
Vasseur also spoke on whether the team would start to focus on 2026 following a tricky start to the year.
The Frenchman quickly brushed this aside, believing Ferrari needs to maximise their package and adds it’s not clear yet what the pecking order is.
“No, honestly not, because I’m still struggling to have a good picture of the situation.
“If you draw the conclusion after FP2 in Melbourne, we’re in good shape. Saturday after Race 1, we’re in very good shape. Then two hours later, we are struggling. I think it’s far too early.
“I also have the feeling that we are not extracting the best of the car so far. The best example is Charles [Leclerc] today, doing a strong race with half a front wing.”
