Fred Vasseur Demands Ferrari Fix Critical F1 'Lift and Coast' Brake Issue

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has issued a clear directive to his team: immediately resolve the persistent 'lift and coast' issue that has hampered their performance, most recently at the Singapore Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc was notably instructed to 'lift and coast' to manage his brakes during the race, a recurring problem throughout the season.

Why it matters:

This 'lift and coast' instruction, where drivers ease off the throttle before braking, indicates a fundamental issue with Ferrari's brake management or overall car setup. For a team battling for second in the Constructors' Championship, such a critical flaw can undermine race strategy, compromise driver performance, and ultimately cost valuable points. Vasseur's urgency underscores the necessity of a swift resolution to maintain competitiveness.

The Details:

• Singapore Grand Prix Incident: During the Singapore GP, Charles Leclerc was explicitly told to 'lift and coast' to protect his brakes. This practice involves releasing the accelerator before applying the brakes, allowing for a period of no pedal input.
• Recurring Problem: Leclerc has received similar instructions multiple times this season, suggesting this is not an isolated incident but a deeper systemic issue within the team's car design or operational strategy.
• Impact on Performance: Vasseur highlighted that failing to address this problem means "there is no way to fight." The 'lift and coast' technique doesn't just reduce straight-line speed; it also disrupts braking points and overall car balance, forcing drivers to constantly adapt.
• Vasseur's Stance: The team principal emphasized the immediate need for a fix, stating, "We have to fix the issue for sure, for the race. The next race would be a different story."
• Race Outcome: Leclerc finished sixth in Singapore, while teammate Carlos Sainz secured a victory, though a brake issue later affected Lewis Hamilton, who finished eighth. Ferrari had previously won at Marina Bay two years prior, making this year's performance particularly disappointing for Leclerc.

Between the lines:

While Vasseur couldn't definitively say if Ferrari's pace matched the front-runners before the issues arose, the early and consistent 'lift and coast' requests suggest that the car's inherent performance advantage might be compromised by its inability to sustain optimal brake temperatures or wear. This points to a need for a comprehensive review of brake cooling, balance, and possibly even the fundamental setup philosophies.

What's next:

Ferrari's technical team will be under immense pressure to diagnose and rectify this braking concern before the upcoming races. With the championship battle heating up, particularly for second place in the Constructors' standings, a resolution is critical for Ferrari to consistently compete at the sharp end of the grid. If they can address this fundamental issue, it could unlock more consistent performance from both drivers and allow them to fully exploit the car's potential without compromise.