Ferrari is preparing to introduce updates to their car, which has not performed consistently, during the upcoming race events in Austria and Silverstone.
After Mercedes` victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, Ferrari is now the only major F1 team yet to secure a win this season. The team has struggled with achieving consistent performance from their SF-25 car throughout entire race weekends.
In Montreal, Charles Leclerc finished fifth, and Lewis Hamilton was right behind in sixth. Hamilton commented afterward that the team is in significant need of upgrades to close the performance gap to the front of the grid.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed that new components are on the way, though he didn`t specify whether they would arrive for the Austrian GP this weekend or the British GP later. However, Vasseur highlighted that he believes the team`s primary focus should be on execution rather than solely on the car`s inherent potential.
“We will have an upgrade soon, before UK, and perhaps another one a bit later,” Vasseur stated. “But, honestly, I think there is much more in execution and what you get from the car, than the potential of the car itself.”
Vasseur explained that at this stage of the regulations, updates typically yield only small gains measured in hundredths of a second. In contrast, failing to extract the maximum from the car through execution can result in losses of tenths. He noted this has affected Ferrari and other teams.
“When we brought upgrades in the past, we needed one or two races to adapt the car to the set-up of the new version,” Vasseur added. “I want to put the focus on the team much more on the execution than on the pure potential of the car. But we will bring something.”
Following the Canadian race, Lewis Hamilton told media, “We are really in need of an upgrade and there`s lots of things that need to change for us to compete at the front.” He mentioned anticipation for an upgrade in Austria but tempered expectations, saying, “I don`t know if it`s much… I don`t think it`s a lot. I just think it`s one of those years.”
Lewis Hamilton was devastated when he found out he hit a groundhog during the race at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Vasseur: Execution and Tyre Management Are Crucial
Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari had a “massive failure” in Canada regarding perfect race weekend execution, which he sees as vital for improving their season, particularly concerning tyre usage.
Discussing the upcoming race at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, Vasseur said, “Even before the weekend, you have to put everything together in the right place if you want to achieve a good result. In the tyre usage and the tyre performance, I think there is much more in that, than between the cars.”
He stressed the importance of tire performance, stating, “It doesn`t matter about the car, if the team is doing a very good job on the tyres, they will be in front.” Vasseur cited examples like Canada, Monaco, and Imola where this was evident, concluding, “It is what it is and it will be like this until the end of the season but it`s the same for everyone and we have to do a better job.”
Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc react after their qualifying session in Montreal.
Austrian GP Schedule
Look back at some of the most dramatic moments throughout the years at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Thursday June 26
2pm: Drivers` Press Conference
Friday June 27
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Austrian GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Austrian GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday June 28
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15pm: Austrian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up
3pm: AUSTRIAN GP QUALIFYING
5pm: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday June 29
7.25am: F3 Feature Race
8.55am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up
2pm: THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction
5pm: Ted`s Notebook
