Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur stated that the team needs to figure out how to `fully utilize the potential` of their 2025 car before the Japanese Grand Prix, following a challenging beginning to the season.
The team`s embarrassing double disqualification in the previous race in China has placed them fifth in the Constructors` Championship, 61 points behind McLaren, who are currently leading. They are looking for a better performance at Suzuka.
Although the SF-25 car has shown glimpses of strong performance – such as Lewis Hamilton`s pole position and dominant victory in the Sprint race in Shanghai – it hasn`t consistently challenged their main competitors. Neither Hamilton nor Charles Leclerc has finished in the top four in any full Grand Prix race so far.
`Like everyone in the team, now more than ever, we must concentrate on our own performance with the aim of enabling Charles and Lewis to consistently achieve the maximum potential of the SF-25,` said Vasseur in the team`s preview of the Japanese GP.
`So far, we have only managed to do this on Fridays and during the Sprint in China.`
`Formula 1 is all about the details, from preparing for the race weekend at the factory to executing on the track and adapting to changing conditions during the race.`
`Once we succeed in doing that, we will have a clearer understanding of our position.`
After losing the 18 points from their initial fifth and sixth-place finishes at the Chinese Grand Prix, Ferrari`s total for the early season is only 17 points as they head to Suzuka. They are also behind Williams in fourth place based on a countback of results.
This is their worst result after two races since 2009.
Ferrari Faces Crucial Weekend in Japan
Ted Kravitz from F1 Show commented:
`For me, the main story of this weekend is Ferrari.`
`Their response to what was described in Italy as a disaster, or a calamitous weekend, with a double disqualification for different reasons, will be important.`
`Considering Lewis Hamilton has nine points and Charles Leclerc has eight in the drivers` standings, I`m keen to see Ferrari`s reaction.`
Regarding Hamilton`s start with Ferrari:
`I believe Hamilton will be reasonably satisfied with the direction things are moving, especially after the Sprint victory in China. However, Ferrari needs to get back on track.`
