Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur in Monza: “Leclerc’s fastest time means nothing”

No other team faces as much pressure at their home race as Ferrari does at Monza. The Tifosi expect Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to secure pole position and victory – nothing less. Ferrari delivered in the first practice session, with Charles Leclerc ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is trying (presumably unsuccessfully) to keep expectations in check: “Monza is a demanding circuit, and the field is extremely close. Our priority is therefore to execute every aspect of our work to the best of our ability from Friday onwards.”

Ferrari-Teamchef Fred Vasseur

Foto: XPB

“We want to use the fans’ passion as extra motivation and put on a strong weekend for the Tifosi. We have an improved engine on the track here, which is a step in the right direction – this year, it’s the smallest improvements that will make the difference.”

So far, there is little to criticise about the world’s most famous Scuderia: two-time Monza Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the first free practice session, ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the second red car. That’s all well and good, but it doesn’t earn any World Championship points.

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Speaking at the FIA team principals’ meeting on 4 September, the 58-year-old Frenchman elaborated: “Charles’s fastest time means nothing. I’d remind you that we were also fastest in the first and second practice sessions last year, but we didn’t win the Grand Prix. To be precise, we didn’t even make it onto the podium.”

“Yes, we have the upgraded engine here; yes, that’s a step forward, but the gains are small. But we’re grateful for anything that brings us closer to the top. I don’t think we’re at Mercedes’ level yet. But the gaps in qualifying are often very small, so this extra bit of performance here is welcome.”