Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur aims for comprehensive improvement in remaining 2023 Formula 1 campaign

Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has expressed the team's commitment to overall improvement rather than setting specific targets for the remainder of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Anticipation for a championship contention had been fervent at Maranello after a promising start last year. However, an underwhelming performance this season has left Ferrari in fourth place in the Constructors' Championship, amassing 191 points. The highlight of the year thus far has been Charles Leclerc's second-place finish in Austria.

"We need to enhance our overall package and optimize our track performance by making the most of our existing resources," Vasseur stated during a media interaction.

"Precision and focus are paramount. Rather than fixating on numerical objectives, we must relentlessly pursue progress across all aspects of our performance. Each dimension requires a step forward."

The stark contrast between Ferrari's struggles and Red Bull's exceptional performance is evident this year. Red Bull have dominated all 12 Grand Prix races and three Sprint events, showcasing a level of supremacy rarely witnessed in the history of Formula 1.

Vasseur emphasised that Red Bull's success cannot be attributed to a single facet. Instead, he noted that their dominance is a result of marginal gains in numerous distinct areas.

"I am not convinced that there is a sole domain where they surpass others. They excel across all aspects of performance-drivers, engine chassis, aerodynamics, suspension, and strategy. This is the arena in which we must strive to improve," Vasseur elucidated.

"Our objective is to extract optimal performance from every realm and make incremental advancements in each."

The 2023 season has witnessed considerable flux in the order, with different teams periodically claiming the mantle of the second-fastest team.

Reflecting on the close competition for the runner-up position, Vasseur acknowledged the thrill it provides for fans and spectators.

"Behind Red Bull, a cluster of contenders-Mercedes, Aston Martin, McLaren, and occasionally Alpine-vies for prominence. This dynamic presents an engaging challenge and an enthralling scenario, as the outcome can swing from second to tenth," Vasseur remarked.

"Let there be no mistake-I aspire for the first and second positions. However, the tightly knit competition behind Red Bull adds to the allure of the Championship."

Despite the season-long battle for second place, Ferrari currently lags behind Mercedes by 56 points. Vasseur expressed optimism that a projected surge forward would enable the Scuderia to narrow the gap to the Silver Arrows.

"While a substantial point differential separates us from Mercedes, a retrospective analysis of the first half of the season reveals numerous missed opportunities. This compels us to perform significantly better in the latter half and seize more chances," Vasseur affirmed.

"Should we aim to catch up with Mercedes, a distinctive approach is needed. However, the primary focus remains closing the performance gap. This entails maintaining an edge over them in terms of speed and qualifying, and surpassing them in race pace."

"As for securing second place in the Championship, it remains uncertain. Nonetheless, my ambition for the latter part of the season centres on advancing our performance in relation to Mercedes."

The Formula 1 action is set to recommence post the summer hiatus, beginning with the Dutch Grand Prix at the Circuit Zandvoort this weekend.