Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari`s team principal, suggests that upcoming mid-season rule adjustments concerning flexible wings in Formula 1 have the potential to significantly alter the competitive landscape among the leading teams.
The sport`s governing body, the FIA, issued a technical directive back in January, indicating that more rigorous flexibility tests for front wings would be implemented starting from the Spanish Grand Prix. This event is scheduled as the ninth round of the season, taking place from May 30th to June 1st.
Ferrari`s season has begun poorly; after only six races, the Italian squad trails Constructors` Championship leaders McLaren by 152 points.
While many teams plan to introduce upgrades at the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the first European event, Vasseur feels the adjustments required to meet the new flexi-wing rules in Barcelona might influence performance more substantially.
Speaking in an exclusive interview at Ferrari`s Maranello base on Wednesday, Vasseur commented, “We`ve reached a stage where significant car upgrades are challenging because, after four years with stable regulations, we`re focused more on refining details.”
He added, “The most significant impact will likely come in Spain due to the clear regulatory change involving the completely new front wing design. This could slightly alter the championship picture. We`ll have to wait and see.”
“It might serve as a performance reset immediately, though perhaps not for the overall championship lead,” Vasseur noted. “Whoever is leading the championship heading into Spain will probably still lead after it, but in terms of raw pace, it has the potential to be a gamechanger.”
Vasseur`s remarks follow hints from other McLaren competitors, including Red Bull boss Christian Horner, suggesting a belief that the current pace-setters might see a drop in performance due to the rule modification. Horner has frequently shown interest in the technical directive`s effects.
Despite this, McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, currently first and second in the driver standings, have stated they are confident the rule changes won`t negatively affect their team.
Commentators Ted Kravitz and Bernie Collins discussed why McLaren seemed unaffected by F1`s flexi-wing rules at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The directive mandates a reduction in permissible wing flex, from 15mm of movement down to 10mm. Its delayed introduction was intended to provide teams adequate time to comply.
The FIA had previously tightened rules on rear wing flexing at the season`s second race in China, but this change didn`t visibly disrupt the competitive order.
Challenges for Hamilton Amidst Car Struggles
Ferrari`s season began with significant anticipation following the high-profile signing of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes. However, the seven-time world champion`s tenure with the Scuderia has had a rather underwhelming start.
Hamilton currently sits seventh in the driver standings, 12 points behind his teammate Charles Leclerc, who is fifth.
The British driver has seen brief success, including a Sprint victory in China and a third place in the Miami Sprint, but overall has found qualifying and race distance performance challenging, often more so than Leclerc.
Hamilton secured his first win with Ferrari by leading the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint from start to finish.
Vasseur suggested that the team`s broader difficulties with the car have complicated Hamilton`s process of adapting after spending 12 years driving for Mercedes.
He stated, “The car hasn`t performed at the level we anticipated. Compared to last year, for instance, we aren`t in an ideal position. In such a scenario, I believe it`s even tougher for a new driver to fully adapt to the car.”
“If you`re dominating and winning every weekend,” he added, “it`s significantly easier for any driver to settle into a new team.”
“However,” Vasseur continued, “as long as the collaboration remains positive and constructive, even if the results aren`t always there week in, week out, I believe we are enhancing our mutual understanding, not just personally but also technically. I`m quite confident this is moving in the correct direction for the future.”
In Miami, Hamilton attracted attention by expressing frustration with strategy calls over team radio. Vasseur, however, maintained that he isn`t bothered by such incidents provided a constructive post-race debrief follows.
Hamilton`s pointed remarks via team radio during the Miami Grand Prix.
He elaborated, “Such expressions don`t upset me, provided we can have a productive discussion afterwards.”
“We must remember,” Vasseur pointed out, “that drivers are speaking on the radio while driving at 330 kph between walls in Miami, under immense pressure to perform.”
“They might be unhappy with the result, strategy, or car balance sometimes, and they are broadcast live to millions,” he concluded. “What matters most to me is the substance of the post-race debrief.”
