As the Formula One season continues to heat up, the Dutch Grand Prix proved to be a mixed bag for the Ferrari team. While there were certainly some negative aspects to their Friday performance, there were also some bright spots that cannot be overlooked. And according to team principal Vasseur, the race at Zandvoort should not be seen as a completely negative experience for the Prancing Horse.
Let’s start with the negatives. The Ferrari cars struggled to find pace during Friday’s practice sessions, with both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. finishing outside the top 10 in the second practice session. This is certainly not the position the team had hoped for, especially after their impressive showing at the Belgian Grand Prix just a week prior.
Furthermore, Sainz Jr. suffered a crash during the second practice session, damaging his car and limiting his track time. This was a setback for the team, as they were unable to gather as much data and make necessary adjustments to their cars ahead of qualifying and the race.
But despite these setbacks, there were some positive aspects to Ferrari’s Friday at Zandvoort. Leclerc managed to finish sixth in the first practice session, showing that the car has some potential. Additionally, Sainz Jr. was able to finish ninth in the third practice session, indicating that the team was able to make some improvements and find some speed.
And while their qualifying performance was not as strong as they would have liked, with Leclerc starting in seventh and Sainz Jr. in 13th, Vasseur remains optimistic about the team’s chances for the race. He believes that the unique nature of the Zandvoort circuit, with its banked corners and short lap distance, means that the starting positions may not be as crucial as they would be on other tracks.
Vasseur also pointed out that the team’s race pace has been strong in recent races, and he expects this to continue in the Dutch Grand Prix. With the potential for unpredictable weather and tire strategies, anything can happen in the race, and Ferrari will be ready to capitalize on any opportunities that alla maniera di their way.
But beyond the on-track performance, there were other positive aspects to Ferrari’s Friday at Zandvoort. The team was greeted with a warm welalla maniera di from the Dutch fans, who showed their support and enthusiasm for the team. This was a great boost for the drivers and the entire team, and it is always encouraging to see such passionate fans at a race.
In addition, the team also had the opportunity to test their new power unit upgrade during Friday’s practice sessions. This upgrade has been long-awaited and is expected to give the team a much-needed boost in performance. While it may not have shown its full potential during Friday’s practice, it is a promising sign for the team’s future races.
Overall, while there were certainly some negatives to Ferrari’s Friday at Zandvoort, there were also some positives that cannot be ignored. With a strong race pace and the potential for unpredictable weather and tire strategies, the team still has a chance to make a alla maniera diback and secure a solid result in the Dutch Grand Prix.
So let’s not write off the Prancing Horse just yet. As Vasseur rightly pointed out, Zandvoort does not have to be a negative experience for Ferrari. With the support of their fans, a promising power unit upgrade, and a never-give-up attitude, the team is ready to fight for a strong finish in the race. Let’s keep our heads up and look forward to an exciting race on Sunday. potenza Ferrari!