Vasseur will appoint “no Number 1 or Number 2” at Ferrari

Frédéric Vasseur takes his first steps in red and, of course, one question burns on his lips: Charles Leclerc will he be the Number 1 driver at Ferrari, supported by Carlos Sainz in his quest for the title? A question that he greets with irony in his first press conference under the coat of arms of the Prancing Horse: “ Here's a question I wasn't expecting! (laughs) » Before answering: « The situation is clear: it is similar everywhere. We have two excellent drivers. Both are capable of meeting expectations, he declares. We have the means to provide them with the same car, the same structure, and the same support. » 

“The objective is clear: to win with Ferrari and for Ferrari. There won't be a Number 1 or a Number 2, but if at any point I have to take action, I will take it. And it doesn't matter if it's for one or the other ". Because the links between Vasseur and Leclerc are close, and the arrival of the Frenchman to replace Mattia Binotto seemed to automatically give the royal crown to the Monegasque. Frédéric Vasseur knows the Ferrari driver very well, having followed him from his debut in the premier category when he joined Sauber in 2018. Vasseur is also close to Nicolas Todt, with whom he founded ART Grand Prix, a multiple champion team. included in the promotion formulas, and who turns out to be... Charles Leclerc's manager.

So, what relationship will the new main team of the Scuderia have with the Spaniard Carlos Sainz? “ When i was at Renault (in 2016, Editor’s note), I had started discussions with Carlos and his management to recruit him in 2017, says the 54-year-old engineer. Finally, he arrived a little later (The Spaniard replaced Jolyon Palmer during the 2017 season, Editor's note). When I joined Sauber (mid-2017, Editor’s note), I tried to enlist Carlos again. In vain. I then said to myself that the best way to attract him was to sign with the team where he drives. Already (laughs). » And added: “ We have a great relationship. I trust him. He has shown over the last two years that he has the potential to win. It's important for the team. Once again we will not have a Number 1 driver and a Number 2 driver ».

Because the Frenchman's guideline is clear: bring Ferrari back to the highest level. And, for this, it is important to provide the stability that the Reds lacked in a 2022 season marred by errors and disappointment, Leclerc fighting on an equal footing with the reigning world champion Max Verstappen at the beginning of the year. Vasseur will have to convince the Monegasque to keep his combination, linked to Maranello until the end of 2024, but this will be done in a second step: “ We must focus on the sporting aspect and the quest for convincing results. It's like in a marriage, both parties must be happy with the situation for it to continue. But that's not the priority. We have a good relationship. We will have time to discuss this later. The only subject today is the search for pure performance ».

Pure performance which must be coupled with better technical reliability and more fluid communication between the pit wall and the track. But Vasseur is convinced, the Scuderia has “ everything you need to win ».

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