Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur brushes off Red Bull F1 dominance claims

Max Verstappen's commanding victory, leaving teammate Sergio Perez trailing by over 22 seconds, fuelled speculation of a repeat championship for the Milton Keynes-based team.

Ferrari managed to get onto the podium with Carlos Sainz in third place, while teammate Charles Leclerc was fourth despite battling brake issues throughout the race.

Despite Red Bull's early triumph, Vasseur emphasized the lengthy nature of the F1 season, dismissing hasty predictions. In a media statement, Vasseur underlined Ferrari's potential for development throughout the 24-race season.

Drawing parallels to the previous year's performance, Vasseur highlighted Ferrari's late-season surge with five pole positions in the final seven races. The Frenchman expressed confidence in the team's ability to contend, pointing out that Bahrain's tire degradation was a shared challenge for all teams.

Vasseur revealed, "We were able to fight for the pole during qualifying, and although Bahrain's tire degradation is always significant, we'll have other opportunities to secure pole positions and win races."

Maintaining a determined stance, Vasseur asserted that Ferrari's motivation is at an all-time high, vowing to continue pushing boundaries. He acknowledged the progress made in the past 12 months and expressed optimism about the team's ongoing efforts.

As the F1 season progresses, the spotlight now shifts to the upcoming race weekend in Saudi Arabia, scheduled from March 7 to March 9, 2024. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with its high-speed layout and 27 corners, poses a unique challenge for drivers, setting the stage for an exciting second showdown of the season. 

Ferrari fans can anticipate a fiercely competitive season, with Vasseur promising an enduring battle for supremacy.

Read More: Red Bull's Max Verstappen cruises to victory in Bahrain Grand Prix (planetsport.com)