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Fred Vasseur, who took over as Ferrari's team principal in December 2022, experienced a significant moment during the 2023 Italian Grand Prix when Carlos Sainz secured pole position. This achievement, which Vasseur described as his 'first big shock,' highlighted the passionate support of the Tifosi, as he was moved by the crowd's reaction at Monza. Despite Sainz's strong performance, he finished third in the race, while Red Bull dominated the season with 21 wins out of 22 races.
Sainz's pole position at Monza remains notable as it was the only pole he achieved at the track throughout his career. In contrast, Charles Leclerc later won the Italian GP in 2024, becoming one of the most successful Ferrari drivers at Monza. Vasseur's reflections on these events emphasize the unique atmosphere of Ferrari's home race and the emotional connection between the team and its fans.
f1oversteer.com Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC via Formula1.com Jean Alesi on his admiration for Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve Jean Alesi, a former Formula 1 driver, shares his deep admiration for the legendary Gilles Villeneuve, highlighting how Villeneuve's spectacular driving during the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix left a lasting impression on him. Alesi recalls his childhood experiences with motor racing, particularly the limited exposure to F1 at the time, yet he vividly remembers the excitement of Villeneuve's win, which sparked his passion for the sport.
Alesi also reflects on his own career, including racing for Ferrari with the number 27, which was famously associated with Villeneuve. He recounts a poignant encounter with Jacques Villeneuve, Gilles' son, expressing his frustration over Jacques' comments about his father's legacy. Alesi's respect for Villeneuve's talent and the impact of his tragic death further underscore the significance of Villeneuve's legacy in the world of Formula 1. Formula1.com Wed 2 Sep · 11:39 UTC via f1oversteer.com Fred Vasseur claims Ferrari ‘didn’t have control’ over Lewis Hamilton after he joined Fred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, discussed the challenges faced by Lewis Hamilton during his first season with the team in 2025. Hamilton struggled significantly, failing to secure any podium finishes and achieving his lowest points total in recent years. Vasseur noted that both Hamilton and Ferrari lacked control over their collaboration, which contributed to a difficult season for both parties. However, improvements have been made in 2026, leading to better results for Hamilton, including a Grand Prix victory in Barcelona and a strong points tally early in the season.
The changes in the regulations for 2026 have positively impacted Hamilton's performance, allowing him to adapt his driving style more effectively. Vasseur emphasized the importance of collaboration and understanding within the team, which has been enhanced since Hamilton's arrival. With a new race engineer and a better grasp of the Ferrari team dynamics, Hamilton is now positioned to compete at the front of the grid. f1oversteer.com Wed 2 Sep · 07:00 UTC via f1oversteer.com Fred Vasseur accuses F1 media of enjoying Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 Ferrari struggles Fred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, expressed regret over not providing sufficient support to Lewis Hamilton during his challenging first season with the team in 2025. Hamilton, who had a long tenure at Mercedes, struggled to adapt to Ferrari's environment, resulting in a season without podium finishes and a disappointing fourth place in the constructors' championship. Vasseur acknowledged that he underestimated the difficulties Hamilton faced in transitioning to a new team and working with a different race engineer.
In 2026, Hamilton has shown improvement, achieving five podiums and securing his first victory with Ferrari in Barcelona. Despite the rocky start, there are indications that Ferrari may extend Hamilton's contract, with announcements expected ahead of the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Vasseur criticized the media's portrayal of Hamilton's struggles, suggesting that the coverage was exaggerated and detrimental to the team's morale. f1oversteer.com Tue 1 Sep · 15:00 UTC via f1oversteer.com Ferrari can forget about winning the Italian Grand Prix if one upgrade stays in the factory Ferrari's chances of winning the Italian Grand Prix hinge on the successful introduction of key upgrades, particularly in aerodynamics and engine performance. The team has made significant strides with their new floor and diffuser, but they must also bring a second batch of ADUO upgrades to compete effectively at Monza, known for its high-speed layout. Without these enhancements, Ferrari risks falling behind their competitors, especially Mercedes and Red Bull, who are better suited to the circuit's demands.
The team has a new internal combustion engine specification ready, but its reliability is still under evaluation. If Ferrari opts not to deploy this upgrade, it could severely limit their chances of victory. Historically, Ferrari has performed well at Monza, but without the necessary upgrades, their hopes for a home win may be dashed. f1oversteer.com Tue 1 Sep · 14:00 UTC via Motorsport.com Rivals copying Ferrari F1 aero designs "a good reward" for Maranello Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed that the imitation of their innovative designs by rival teams serves as a validation of their engineering efforts. The SF-26, Ferrari's latest car, showcases several unique features, including the Flick Tail Mode and the Macarena wing, which have attracted attention and led to copies by competitors like McLaren and Red Bull. However, the FIA has intervened by banning the exhaust wing design for the upcoming 2027 season to maintain regulatory control over F1 innovations.
Despite challenges with their power unit, Ferrari's chassis has been deemed highly competitive, with drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton achieving victories in recent races. Vasseur highlighted the importance of a long-term vision in F1 development, noting the time required to implement changes and recruit talent, which is essential for the team's future success. Motorsport.com Tue 1 Sep · 13:00 UTC via gpfans.com Ferrari are risking it all as Lewis Hamilton era continues Maranello makeover Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has been working to foster a culture of risk-taking within the team since he took over in 2023. Under his leadership, Ferrari has seen a mix of results, finishing third, second, and fourth in the last three seasons, and currently sits second in the constructors' championship as of September 2026, trailing Mercedes significantly in points. Vasseur emphasizes the importance of innovation and strategic risks, despite acknowledging that not all decisions will yield positive outcomes.
As the team strives to compete against Mercedes, Vasseur's approach aims to improve Ferrari's performance in both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships. With Lewis Hamilton currently 59 points behind Kimi Antonelli, and the team 87 points adrift in the Constructors' standings, the pressure is on Ferrari to adapt and improve. Vasseur's belief in risk-taking as a pathway to success reflects a shift in strategy aimed at reclaiming Ferrari's former glory in Formula 1. gpfans.com Tue 1 Sep · 12:57 UTC via Crash Audi concede F1 points streak fear for Italian Grand Prix Audi has recently improved its performance in Formula 1, scoring points in the last four races after a slow start to the season. This includes finishes in eighth and ninth places across various circuits, which has helped them surpass Williams in the constructors' standings. However, Audi's racing director, Allan McNish, has expressed concerns about the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, citing the track's unique layout as a potential challenge to their points streak.
Nico Hulkenberg, who has been instrumental in this recent success, aims to maintain the team's positive trajectory, while teammate Gabriel Bortoleto looks forward to racing at Monza, where he has fond memories. Both drivers acknowledge the competitive nature of the midfield and are focused on executing a strong performance in the race. Crash Tue 1 Sep · 09:46 UTC 556
via Motorsport.comFerrari to debut engine upgrade at Italian Grand PrixFerrari will debut an upgraded power unit at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. This upgrade is made possible through the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system in Formula 1.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 12:52 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur reveals how Carlos Sainz caused his ‘first big shock’ as Ferrari team principal
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