Vasseur Reflects on Disappointing Singapore Grand Prix Performance and Missed Opportunities

Ferrari Admits to Singapore GP Struggles: “We Didn’t Extract the Best From the Car”

Singapore – Ferrari Team principal Fred Vasseur has expressed deep frustration following a disappointing Singapore Grand

What strategic adjustments could Ferrari have made during the Singapore Grand Prix to better respond to the track evolution and competitor tyre choices?

Strategic Missteps and Qualifying Woes

Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal, has openly acknowledged the team’s underperformance at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, citing a combination of strategic errors and a challenging qualifying session as key factors. The race,held under the humid night lights of Marina Bay,presented a unique set of challenges,and Ferrari ultimately failed to capitalize on potential opportunities. The team finished well behind Red Bull Racing, further extending their championship deficit.

Vasseur pinpointed the qualifying session as a critical turning point. “We didn’t extract enough from the car in qualifying,” he stated in a post-race interview.”The track evolution was significant, and we didn’t adapt quickly enough. starting further back on the grid in Singapore always makes the race an uphill battle.” Charles Leclerc started P7 and Carlos Sainz Jr. P8, hindering their ability to challenge for a podium finish. This contrasted sharply with pre-race expectations, where many analysts predicted Ferrari could challenge for pole position.

Tyre Management and Pit Stop Decisions

The notoriously abrasive Singapore street circuit demands careful tyre management, and Ferrari’s strategy appeared to falter in this area. The team opted for a conservative approach, prioritizing tyre longevity over outright pace. tho, this strategy ultimately proved detrimental, allowing competitors with more aggressive tyre choices to gain an advantage.

* Early Safety Car Impact: The early Safety Car period disrupted planned strategies, forcing teams to react quickly. Ferrari’s response was deemed too cautious by many observers.

* Pit Stop Timing: The timing of pit stops also came under scrutiny. A delayed reaction to a virtual Safety Car cost sainz valuable track position.

* Tyre Degradation: Both drivers reported experiencing higher-than-expected tyre degradation,particularly on the medium compound,impacting their overall race pace.

“We need to analyze the data to understand why our tyre degradation was higher than anticipated,” Vasseur explained. “It’s clear we didn’t have the optimal balance between performance and durability.” The team will be focusing on improving their tyre modelling and strategy simulations ahead of future races.

Leclerc’s Frustration and Sainz’s Recovery

Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration with the race result, lamenting the missed chance to fight for a podium. Despite a strong race pace, he was unable to overcome the disadvantage of starting seventh. “We had the pace to be on the podium, but the qualifying position made it too difficult,” Leclerc said. “We need to learn from this and ensure we are better prepared for similar challenges in the future.”

Carlos Sainz Jr.,on the othre hand,managed a relatively strong recovery drive,finishing P5. However, even he acknowledged that the team’s overall performance was below expectations. “We maximized what we could from the situation, but it wasn’t enough,” Sainz commented. “We need to address the issues we faced this weekend to be competitive in the remaining races.”

The Impact on the Championship Fight

The disappointing result in Singapore has substantially impacted Ferrari’s chances in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Red Bull Racing now holds a commanding lead, making it increasingly difficult for Ferrari to close the gap.

* Drivers’ Championship: Max Verstappen extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship, putting him within striking distance of securing his third consecutive title.

* Constructors’ Championship: Red Bull Racing also increased their advantage in the Constructors’ Championship, leaving Ferrari trailing by a significant margin.

Vasseur remains optimistic, though, emphasizing the importance of learning from their mistakes and focusing on continuous betterment. “We are still in the championship fight, but we need to be realistic,” he said. “We need to deliver consistent performance at every race and capitalize on every opportunity.”

Looking Ahead: Suzuka and Beyond

Ferrari is already turning its attention to the next race on the calendar, the Japanese grand Prix at Suzuka. The high-speed circuit presents a diffrent set of challenges, requiring a different aerodynamic setup and tyre strategy.

* Suzuka Circuit Characteristics: Suzuka is known for its demanding corners and long straights, placing a premium on aerodynamic efficiency and engine power.

* Development Focus: Ferrari is expected to introduce further aerodynamic upgrades at Suzuka, aimed at improving the car’s overall performance.

* Strategy Refinement: The team will also be refining its race strategy simulations, focusing on optimizing tyre management and pit stop timing.

Vasseur concluded, “Suzuka is a completely different challenge. We will analyze our performance in Singapore, learn from our mistakes, and come back stronger. We are committed to fighting for every point and maximizing our potential in the remaining races.” The team’s ability to bounce back from this setback will be crucial in determining their ultimate success in the 2025 Formula 1 season.