Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has stepped in to defend Charles Leclerc, pushing back against the driver’s self-criticism after a challenging weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Despite Ferrari’s impressive form since Monza, with consecutive victories in Austin and Mexico City, the Brazilian GP revealed weaknesses in the SF-24, particularly in tire management.
Ferrari’s recent momentum in the constructors’ championship was curbed at Interlagos, a notoriously difficult track made worse by wet weather. The team struggled to maintain optimal tire temperatures, while both Leclerc and Carlos Sainz struggled with low grip and inconsistent handling – particularly after pit stops and during safety car periods. While Leclerc cited his own setup decisions as a major issue, Vasseur stood by his driver and suggested the team’s broader approach played a bigger role.
“Charles is always the first to blame himself, but I don’t think he is entirely responsible for the setup problems,” explained Vasseur. “It was a tough Sunday, but overall not a disaster. The decision to pit without waiting for a possible red flag cost us more time than expected, especially with a slippery exit.”
Leclerc’s pit stop cost him valuable time in traffic and Vasseur admitted that waiting for the virtual safety car or red flag might have been the better decision. Sainz, on the other hand, had to struggle with problems of his own and ended his race in the barriers at Turn 7.
Ferrari’s tire problems were evident throughout the weekend as both cars struggled to adapt to Interlagos’ slippery surface and unpredictable weather – a hallmark of the Brazilian track. Despite the setback, Vasseur remained optimistic and pointed to Ferrari’s resilience in the standings while focusing on the chances in the final races.
“We knew Brazil would challenge us and favor McLaren,” admitted Vasseur. “Nevertheless, we didn’t lose too much ground in the points standings. The point is not to avoid losses, but to collect as many points as possible. Las Vegas should give us a better route for our car.”
With McLaren 36 points ahead of Ferrari, the Scuderia faces a tight battle for the constructors’ championship as it aims for its first title since 2008. Vasseur’s optimism underlines Ferrari’s continued focus on closing the gap, even as they navigate a difficult final stretch.
