F1 comeback at Zandvoort: Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur issues a challenge

It’s back to business as usual this week for the Formula 1 stars and their teams: the race weekend at Zandvoort marks the end of the collective break, and the World Championship contenders face a particular challenge as they return from the summer break.

This is because the fifth of six sprint race weekends is taking place on the dune circuit, and that means more pressure for everyone involved, as Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is well aware. He warns: “As is usual with the sprint format, we only have one practice session before sprint qualifying. This makes preparation all the more important.”

Fred Vasseur: This is what will decide success or failure at Zandvoort

“It’s important that we get it right right from the first laps. Zandvoort is a demanding circuit for both the drivers and the cars, and our aim is to put ourselves in the best possible position so that we can make the most of every opportunity that comes our way,” the French engineer continues.

Vasseur also states confidently: “Zandvoort marks the start of the second half of the season, and our approach remains the same: we’re taking it one race at a time and focusing on ourselves.” The motorsport manager, who grew up in Paris, adds defiantly: “We’ve re-energised ourselves and are ready for the competition, which we believe will be fiercely contested.”

The Ferrari team travelled to the Netherlands in second place in the constructors’ championship, 72 points behind the Mercedes team, which occupies first place. In the drivers’ championship too, the Reds are the main challengers – thanks to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who lies 50 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. His team-mate Charles Leclerc is fourth in the provisional standings, 81 championship points behind the young star driver.

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