Vasseur Addresses Ferrari 'Angry Engineers' and 'Strained Relations' Reports

Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has moved to quell rumors of internal strife within the Scuderia, insisting the team is "united" as they head into the United States Grand Prix. This comes amid Italian media reports suggesting "angry" engineers over Charles Leclerc's critical comments and "strained relations" between departments.

The rumors surfaced following a challenging period for Ferrari, who are currently battling to maintain pace in the fight for second in the Constructors' Championship. With Red Bull benefiting from continuous upgrades and Mercedes showing significant improvements, Ferrari has struggled to secure podium finishes in recent races.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's internal cohesion is paramount as they navigate an increasingly competitive Formula 1 landscape. Reports of discord, especially concerning driver feedback and team morale, could destabilize their efforts to catch Mercedes and Red Bull. Vasseur's public statement aims to reassure fans and stakeholders, emphasizing the team's collective resolve to overcome recent setbacks.

The details:

• Leclerc's Assessment: Following the Singapore Grand Prix, where Ferrari went five races without a podium, Charles Leclerc offered a candid assessment, stating, "Mercedes now is at the same level of McLaren and Red Bull, and then there's us." He added, "it just feels like we are passengers to the car and we cannot extract much more."
• Media Reports: Italian outlets reported discontent. Corriere dello Sport cited engineers "angry with Leclerc for his uncompromising criticism of the car and how it is managed," while La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed "relations between the various departments of the team are strained."
• Vasseur's Response: Ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Vasseur addressed these claims directly. He acknowledged recent difficulties but emphasized, "We know we haven't maximised the potential of our package in the last few races, but the team is united and fully determined to turn things around."
• Upcoming Challenge: The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) weekend, featuring the F1 Sprint format, presents an additional challenge. Vasseur highlighted that COTA "demands precision from everyone – the team in terms of set-up and the drivers in feeling at one with the car," with only one free practice session before competitive action begins.

The big picture:

Ferrari currently holds third place in the Constructors' Championship, 27 points behind Mercedes. The intense competition from Red Bull, who have secured two wins in the last four races with Max Verstappen, and a resurgent Mercedes, who saw George Russell win in Singapore, underscores the pressure on Ferrari. McLaren, having secured back-to-back Constructors' crowns in Singapore, further illustrates the competitive intensity.

What's next:

The United States Grand Prix will be a crucial test for Ferrari, both on track and in proving their internal unity. The Sprint format will limit preparation time, placing a premium on immediate performance and effective communication within the team. A strong showing at COTA could help alleviate internal tensions and demonstrate Ferrari's capability to rally and challenge for higher positions in the remaining rounds of the season.